US mission to OSCE: Tatunashvili’s body must be returned to Tbilisi-administered territory

The United States (US) mission to OSCE has issued a statement on the death of Georgian man Archil Tatunashvili and the detention of two others in Georgia’s Russian occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

Expressing condolences to Tatunashvili’s family the US called for the immediate return of his remains to Tbilisi-administered territory.

The United States calls for a full accounting of the circumstances of this tragic incident and continues to encourage all sides to agree on additional measures to strengthen mutual confidence and transparency in the affected region", the statement reads.

The US is also deeply concerned that two Georgian citizens detained along with Tatunashvili, who have now been released, have been prevented from returning to Tbilisi-administered territory.

Yesterday we voiced deep concern that two #Georgia citizens detained (but now been released) in #Russia-occupied South Ossetia have been prevented from returning to Tbilisi-administered territory. READ our statement at the @OSCE Permanent Council. https://t.co/QLDPAel4qO

— U.S. Mission to OSCE (@usosce) March 2, 2018

Reiterating full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders, the US once again rejected Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

• Read more about the case here.

Tatunashvili and two other Georgian citizens were detained by occupation forces on February 22 in the area of Akhalgori area, on territory currently controlled by Russians. 

Tatunashvili, 35, died in unclear circumstances in Tskhinvali on February 23.