The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, has “condemned” the decision by Russia to recognize the independence of Georgia’s two breakaway regions, saying that the move “violates fundamental OSCE principles.”

“Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia,” Stubb said in a statement.

He also said that Russia should withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement, including the modalities defined in the 16 August letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“The international community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones,” Stubb said.