NATO does not recognise the so-called "Treaty on Alliance and Integration” signed between the Russian Federation and Georgia’s breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region on 18 March.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg released a statementyesterday that stated the so-called treaty was "yet another move by the Russian Federation that hampers ongoing efforts by the international community to strengthen security and stability in the region”.

Stoltenberg said the deal violated Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and "blatantly contradicts” the principles of international law, OSCE principles and Russia’s international commitments.

"South Ossetia and Abkhazia are integral parts of Georgia. NATO fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states and to withdraw its forces from Georgia,” he said.

The international community has openly condemned the so-called deal between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway regions, with many officials noting this was "yet another step that goes against ongoing efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region”.