Russian aircraft violate Georgian airspace
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Russia is continuing to provoke Georgia and violate its territorial integrity by flying several aircraft into Georgian airspace.
Over the past two days Russian planes violated Georgian airspace twice, reported Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry said these acts were "obvious provocations” that intended to rouse Georgia.
Specifically, a Russian unmanned aircraft first violated Georgian airspace on December 9 at 6:48pm when it flew over Koshka and Gugutiantkari villages in eastern Gori region. The villages are near the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) but are under Georgian control.
Russia violated Georgian airspace for a second time today. Information showed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter flew over Mereti village, also in Gori, at 12.48pm. This village is also near the ABL and is controlled by Georgian border guards.
Tbilisi officials strongly condemned the action and assessed it as another example of Russia’s ignorance and violation of international laws.
Georgia has appealed to Russia to adhere to the Ceasefire Agreement signed by both parties on August 12, 2008 at the end of the Russia-Georgia war.
Tbilisi is calling on the global community to "properly respond” to Russia’s "illegal actions” of creeping occupation at the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between breakaway Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) and the rest of Georgia.
Conflict resolution experts have discussed humanitarian issues at Georgia’s border-crossing villages along the breakaway Tskhinvali region, which is backed by Russia.
Georgia’s airspace was violated this morning when a Russian plane crossed the Georgian border and illegally entered Georgian controlled airspace.
A Russian military helicopter violated Georgian airspace when it crossed from South Ossetia, over the administrative border and few over villages in Gori and Kaspi districts. Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) reported locals saw the helicopter fly over the area from 11am to 12pm today.
"We are aware of the statement issued today by the Russian Federation regarding the possible annulment of visa requirements for Georgian nationals. I believe it is a step in the right direction,” said Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia confirmed on Thursday airspace over country's Russian-occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) was violated by a Russian helicopter.