Date: 26/08/2008
Russia recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states
Date: 25/08/2008
Since 9 August, members of Peru’s indigenous population had been occupying oil installations and blocking roads in protest at the decrees · Only Alan García’s governing party backed the new laws, which violate indigenous rights and international agreements signed by Peru.
Date: 22/08/2008
Transnistria conflict could resume following war in Georgia
As the situation in Georgia begins to stabilize, all eyes are on another of Europe’s breakaway republics · Like South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Transnistria has enjoyed ‘de facto’ independence and excellent relations with Russia for more than ten years.
Date: 21/08/2008
Further UN talks to solve name dispute between Macedonia and Greece
Date: 20/08/2008
Russia expected to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on Monday
Official recognition by the Russian Parliament would be significant as the breakaway republics have not yet been recognized by any other state · The move would strengthen Russia’s stranglehold over Georgia and much of the western world · Discrepancies over the final number of casualties, with both sides accusing each other of genocide.
Date: 19/08/2008
Six months after independence declared international recognition of Kosovo at a standstill
Date: 18/08/2008
Tens of thousands take part in Kashmiri independence march
Representatives of Hurriyet, the group that organized the demonstration, present a memorandum to the United Nations detailing human rights violations committed by Indian authorities and call for international intervention.
Date: 14/08/2008
Date: 13/08/2008
Paraguayan organizations call for linguistic rights of Guaraní-speakers to be respected
Days before Fernando Lugo is sworn in as Paraguayan President, Guaraní-speakers call for an end to ‘linguistic discrimination’ · Although the language is spoken by more than 80% of the population and has official status, Spanish is the predominant language at every level.
Date: 12/08/2008
Evo Morales wins recall election and says he is ready to talk to autonomist prefects
Half-moon departments in eastern Bolivia strengthen their position · Referendum results reinforce split between pro-indigenous groups and those favourable towards greater autonomy for departments with more natural resources.