Top EU officials, foreign nations show support for Georgia on 10th anniversary of war with Russia

The European Union wrote in its official statement today that on the 10th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, the union remains committed to a peaceful resolution of conflict as strongly as ever.

The European Union reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

Unfortunately, the Russian military presence in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia continues in violation of international law and commitments undertaken by Russia under the 12 August 2008 agreement, mediated by the European Union,” the EU statement reads.

Today on 10th anniversary of the war between Georgia and Russia, EU is unwavering in our support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) August 7, 2018

The EU said that it is committed to remain engaged and involved in stabilisation and conflict resolution efforts in Georgia, including by continuing its engagements as co-chair in the Geneva discussions, the efforts of the EU Special Representative, and the continued presence on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission.

"It is a duty of international community to further develop its defense and deterrence capabilities to prevent future violations. #Poland is ready to implement the necessary measures and we call our partners to stay united” – FM #Czaputowicz declared. pic.twitter.com/iPudSVyWD7

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@PolandMFA) August 7, 2018

The EU welcomes the package of proposals A Step to a Better Future of the Georgian government that can benefit the citizens living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines by facilitating trade, education and mobility. Such proposals are in line with the European Union's policy of engagement with the breakaway regions of Georgia,” EU says.

The EU also believes that in these ten years, Georgia has strengthened its democratic institutions and undertaken reforms in the rule of law.

Georgia has developed a thriving economy and become an important destination for foreign direct investment and tourism. It now represents a model of democratic stability in the region,” the statement reads.

The European Council President Donald Tusk wrote that the "EU is unwavering in its support” for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

Marija Pejcinović Buric, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, said that her thoughts go to the victims of the conflict, in particular to the many displaced persons.”

"We mourn the lives that were lost and the displacement of thousands of people who have still not been able to return to their home"@AlanDuncanMP commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia conflict pic.twitter.com/OetFkq96aG

— Foreign Office (@foreignoffice) August 7, 2018

The UK Foreign Office states that Great Britain mourns the lives that were lost and the displacement of thousands of people who have still not been able to return to their home.

The Foreign Ministry of Norway says that the conflict over Georgia’s breakaway regions must not be forgotten.

Ten years have passed since August 2008, but the conflict is still unresolved. Russian troops remain on Georgian soil. Once again we call on Russia to comply with the August 2008 ceasefire agreement and pull its forces out of Georgia,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Ine Eriksen Soreide.

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine writes that Russia bears full responsibility for the precarious humanitarian situation in the occupied territories and shall provide unhindered access to international humanitarian and human rights organizations to these territories.

The Foreign Ministry of Slovak Republic issued a declaration for the day. 

The Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic reiterated its support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and spoke about the benefits of the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The statement reads that the Czech Republic is ready to further support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic goals.