WASHINGTON
The U.S. does not recognize the legitimacy of a treaty signed Wednesday between Russia and Georgia's occupied region in South Ossetia, a State Department spokeswoman said Wednesday.
"Neither this agreement nor the one signed with Abkhazia in November of 2014 constitutes a valid international agreement," said Jen Psaki.
Russia's agreement with South Ossetia on Wednesday addresses defense and security cooperation as well as economic and political bilateral relations.
The agreement between Russia and Abkhazia includes a collective defense system, and extra aid to South Ossetia.
"The occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are integral parts of Georgia," Psaki said. "We are especially concerned that the signing of this so-called treaty occurred on the same day of international discussions on the conflict in Georgia."
The U.S. has not recognized the sovereignty of South Ossetia since it declared its independence in August 2008, when Georgia failed to regain control of the autonomous region after Russia and South Ossetia’s separatists defeated a Georgian incursion into region in a bloody five-day conflict.
Psaki also urged Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under a 2008 cease-fire agreement that requires Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
The current agreement between the Russian Federation and South Ossetia has a 25-year term, with the possibility of subsequent 10-year extensions.
Ahead of the treaty, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said "the signing is another step against ongoing efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region."
Just a few countries -- including Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela – have so far recognized South Ossetia.
