John Kerry: “Russia’s occupation of Georgia is unacceptable”

The United States (US) remains steadfast in its support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, says the US Secretary of State.

John Kerry issued a special statement in connection with the eighth anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war of August 2008.

"Russia’s occupation and militarisation of parts of Georgia’s territory are unacceptable,” said Kerry this afternoon.

"We continue to call on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, including the withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions and allowing unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian supplies,” he added.

Meanwhile Lithuania’s Foreign Minister took to Twitter to express his support for Georgia on this occasion.

"Eight years ago Russia's war in Georgia had to be a lesson to the world,” Linas Linkevicius said.

"Russia annexing Crimea showed it was not the case. Sanctions must continue,” he stressed.

8y ago #Russia's war in #Georgia had to be a lesson to the world. RU annexing #Crimea showed it was not the case. #Sanctions must continue

— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) August 8, 2016

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the most tragic day in Georgia’s recent history – the beginning of the brief but violent war between Russia and Georgia.

Russia’s invasion of Georgia resulted in many casualties and thousands more lost their homes.

After five days of conflict, 228 Georgian civilians, 170 soldiers and 14 police officers had lost their lives. The war also displaced 192,000 people in Georgia.