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South Ossetia and Abkhazia could become members of the Commonwealth of Independent States on condition that all of the CIS member-states recognize the sovereignty of these republics. Minsk, November 27 (Interfax) - South Ossetia and Abkhazia could become members of the Commonwealth of Independent States on condition that all of the CIS member-states recognize the sovereignty of these republics and agree to admit them to the CIS, Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Sergei Lebedev said.

"Our charter allows the admission of new members on condition that all CIS countries without exception give their consent. It is apparently premature to discuss South Ossetia and Abkhazia's membership now, because they have not been recognized by other CIS countries, except Russia," Lebedev said.

"When this recognition is formalized, the republic's accession to the CIS could be discussed, if they apply and if all members give their consent," he said.

"It is difficult to guess exactly when this may happen," he added.

"We have regional communities in which not only CIS members participate," Lebedev said.