Lithuania condemns Russia’s violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity

Lithuania has expressed its "grave concern” over the ongoing "borderization” process along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between Georgia’s occupied region Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and the remaining territory of Georgia.

In a special statement Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said illegal placement of signs on July 10, which implied creeping occupation deeper towards Tbilisi-controlled territory, and in the immediate vicinity of the Tbilisi-Gori central highway and Baku-Supsa oil pipeline, was "yet another serious violation” of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia.

"These illegal activities are in breach of international law, they create significant impediments for residents on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line, harm international efforts for peaceful resolution of the conflict and have a negative impact on the security situation in the whole region,” Tuesday’s statement read.

On July 10, Russia’s occupational forces illegally placed so-called border signs near Georgia’s central highway in several villages in Gori municipality in central Georgia. This action, referred to as Russia’s creeping occupation, saw about two more kilometres of Georgian soil in the heart of the country now occupied by Russia.

Russia had already unlawfully taken over about 20 percent of Georgian territory.

Yesterday Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its firm support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

"We call on the Russian Federation to immediately stop pressure and aggressive policies against its neighbours and to start abiding by the fundamental norms and principles of international law as well as to fulfill all commitments under the cease-fire agreement of 12 August 2008 and the Implementing Measures of 8 September 2008.”

The agency added Russia’s illegal actions did not contribute to the restoration of trust and would further complicate resumption of fully-fledged dialogue between Russia and the wider international community.

The United States (US) and Ukraine have also condemned Russia’s recent actions along the ABL in Georgia.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili said this issue would be discussed at a special meeting at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on July 16.