New Russian presidential office to deal with CIS states, Georgia separatist regions
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 June 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, New Russian presidential office to deal with CIS states, Georgia separatist regions, 11 June 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4fdb2f5ec.html [accessed 25 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 11, 2012
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree creating a new directorate in his office that will be responsible for Russia's social and economic relations with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well Georgia's separatist-led regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after fighting a brief war with Georgia in 2008.
Moscow has troops stationed in both territories and maintains deep political and economic links with the separatists.
Most of the rest of the world continues to view the two territories as part of Georgia.
Putin's administration announced that Yury Voronin, a former Health Ministry official, has been appointed the new directorate's head.
It was not immediately clear what specific responsibilities the new directorate will have.
Based on reporting by Interfax and Regnum
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
