A breakaway region in the Caucasus which Nauru recognises as an independent country is poised to change its name.
South Ossetia - a break-away republic of Georgia recognised by four countries as an independent state Photo: AFP
Georgia's South Ossetia has held a referendum and a majority has voted in favour of changing its name to Alania.
Nauru is the only Pacific country to recognise the region as an independent country.
Tuvalu recognised South Ossetia in 2011 but three years later rescinded the move when an agreement was reached with Georgia to set up diplomatic relations.
Last month, Russia signed a deal with South Ossetia agreeing to integrate their military forces.
