NATO does not recognise the so-called presidential elections nor the so-called referendum held in the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) of Georgia this Sunday.

NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu released a statement denouncing the illegal elections and referendum this afternoon.

"Unilateral steps to change the name or status of the region are detrimental to the efforts to find a lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia”, Lungescu said.

The statement added that NATO Allies do not recognise the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia as independent states.

The Alliance reiterated its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

On April 9 Tskhinvali region held so-called elections to elect a "president” of the breakaway region. A so-called referendum was also held the same day, asking people whether or not they want to change the name of the region to – "Republic of South Ossetia — State of Alania”.

This name will be similar to one of the federal subjects of the Russian Federation.

Tbilisi says these are "provocative acts” that only aim to annex the historically Georgian region.

The global community supports the position Tbilisi has and says that these so-called elections and referendum are illegal and have no legal effect.