US Dep. Assistant Secretary of State condemns detentions, mistreatment and deaths of Georgian citizens near the occupation line

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent has visited the villages along the occupation line of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and met with the representatives of the EU Monitoring Mission today.

“I have come here today to remind the people of Georgia that the United States is with them, and to remind them that the world has not forgotten what happened here.  The international community does not recognise this boundary line as an international border, and we will never accept any attempt to redraw the borders of Georgia’s territory in violation of its sovereignty”, he said, adding that Georgian citizens continue to live and work in the shadow of occupation.

He also spoke about the common detentions near the occupation line, as well as mistreatment and deaths of Georgian citizens and offered his deep condolences to their families.  

“We stand beside our friends in Georgia and we renew the call upon the Russian government to honor the terms of the 2008 ceasefire agreement by ceasing the recognition of these entities as countries and by withdrawing Russian troops to their pre-war positions.  We also call upon the Russian government to allow the safe passage of desperately needed humanitarian aid to the people here,” Kent added.

He said the United States remains faithfully and deeply committed to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to the strategic partnership with the Government of Georgia.