The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia issued a statement on the 18th anniversary of the outbreak of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, calling on Russia to cease its illegal occupation of Georgian territories and actions aimed at their de facto annexation, and to fully comply with the obligations under the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement mediated by the European Union.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Tbilisi firmly pursues a policy of peaceful conflict resolution.
“Eighteen years have passed since Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Georgia. In August 2008, Russia, disregarding the fundamental norms and principles of international law, carried out an illegal occupation of integral parts of Georgia’s territory — Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region — and recognized them as so-called independent states.
Today, on the 18th anniversary of the occupation, Russia continues to violate the EU-mediated Ceasefire Agreement of August 12, 2008. Moreover, Russia is expanding its illegal control over the occupied regions, continuing their militarization, and taking active steps toward their de facto annexation.
Through gross human rights violations in the occupied regions of Georgia, ethnic discrimination against Georgians, and the isolation of the population, Russia is significantly deteriorating the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. Meanwhile, the lack of access for international organizations to the occupied territories hinders a full assessment of the situation on the ground and the effective safeguarding of human rights.”
The Foreign Ministry stated that through such actions, Moscow is in gross violation of fundamental norms of international law, “as confirmed by numerous decisions of international courts rendered in recent years.”
To achieve de-occupation, strengthen peace, and foster reconciliation between societies divided by conflict, Georgia uses diplomatic and legal mechanisms and actively cooperates with international partners, the statement reads. Particular importance is attached to the Geneva International Discussions as the primary international platform for negotiations on security, humanitarian aspects, and human rights.
“Georgia values the unwavering support expressed by the international community for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the peaceful conflict resolution process,” the Foreign Ministry added.