**US Congressman Urges Syria to Revoke Recognition of Russian-Occupied Regions**
In a move that could potentially improve relations between the West and Syria, US Representative Joe Wilson has called on the Syrian government to withdraw its recognition of Georgia’s two breakaway regions: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These territories have been under Russian control since 2008.
Wilson, who serves as co-chair of the US Helsinki Commission, made his appeal in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this month. He urged Syrian Foreign Minister Shibani to reverse the Assad regime’s decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. “This simple step would show deep strength and commitment to Syria’s new path,” Wilson wrote.
**A Joint Appeal from Georgia’s Opposition**
Wilson’s comments follow a joint appeal made by Georgia’s four main opposition parties – the Coalition for Change, UNM-Unity, Strong Georgia, and Gakharia – For Georgia. The letter, signed on January 31, called on Damascus to revoke its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.
The opposition parties welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship and Syria’s transition to a new government. They urged interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to break with the foreign policy of Assad’s Kremlin-backed regime and realign Syria with the international consensus on Georgia’s territorial integrity.
**A Handful of Russian-Allied States Recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia**
Only a handful of states, including Syria under Assad, have recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia since Russia invaded and occupied these regions in 2008. The international community has consistently maintained that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are part of Georgia.
**Improved Relations Between the US and Syria**
Wilson’s appeal comes amid improved relations between the US and Syria. In May, President Trump met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh and announced that the US would lift sanctions against Syria. This move has been seen as a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two countries.
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