Упрощенная HTML-версия
THE ISSUE OF RECOGNITION OF
STATES acquired a new relevance and topicality
in connection with the declaration of independ-
ence by Kosovo, and then by South Ossetia and
Abkhazia. Active debates were started concern-
ing the basic criteria for the recognition of
states; political and legal aspects of recognition,
such as the emergence of a state as a subject of
international law; the recognition of a state as a
subject of international law only by a part of the international community, and its impact
on the status of such a state. They became a subject of a recent roundtable discussion at
the Institute for Contemporary International Studies, Diplomatic Academy of the Russian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A. Pushkov:
Unrecognized states and non-recognition of states is a highly relevant topic,
and it requires in-depth consideration by the expert community. There is a widespread be-
lief in the academia that persons involved in high level politics know the answers to these
questions. However, that is not necessarily so firstly, due to time constraints, and secondly,
due to the objective complexity of the issue at hand, which makes it difficult to elaborate
concrete proposals. So decisions are often made depending on the political situation pre-
vailing at the time.
G. Kurdyukov:
The political map of the world shows that at present there are up to 200
different ethnic entities laying claim to statehood. Even little Greenland (57,000 residents),
where a referendum was held recently, is claiming independence true, under the aegis of
Denmark.
Recognition is an institution of international law, and its norms are linked to the ability of
states to exercise rights within the system of international relations.
A. Kovalev:
What is the meaning of unrecognized state, and who establishes how many
recognitions are required for a state to be considered a subject of international law? And
is there a specific number of recognitions for joining the UN? To become a UN member,
a country needs to be peaceful, and comply with the Charter.
O. Khlestov:
Sometimes we witness hasty action, including by our country. Recognition
is a purely political act although it is formalized through legal documents, unilateral or bi-
lateral, which entails certain legal consequences. The legal aspect does exist, but we should
start with the considerations that states have in deciding on the issue of recognition. I have
strong doubts about your point of view with regard to the recognition of unrecognized
states. They are not recognized, there are no contacts with them as subjects of international
http://interaffairs.ru
On the Recognition of States