EU Delegation to Georgia condemns ongoing Russian occupation of Georgia on 2008 war anniversary
The EU Delegation to Georgia released its statement on the ongoing Russian occupation of two of Georgia's regions on the anniversary of the 2008 war. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
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The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia has condemned the ongoing occupation of two of Georgia's regions by the Russian military on the anniversary of the 2008 war between the two countries.
On August 7, the date marking 11 years since the conflict that resulted in occupation of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and Abkhazia by Russian troops and recognition of their independence by the Russian government, the local EU representation released its statement "in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Georgia".
The delegation said Russia had "not only maintained but increased its military presence" in both occupied regions since the war in violation of international law and the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement that Russia signed.
Fundamental human rights of the conflict-affected population continue to be violated, including through restrictions on freedom of movement by so-called ’borderisation’, temporary closures of crossing points and illegal detentions and through the violation of the right to safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees", the statement said.
The European representation also noted "displacement and trauma" to "thousands of people" as a result of conflicts in Georgia since the 1990s, stressing an increase in its efforts to support their peaceful resolution.
The European Union will continue these efforts, including through the activities of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, its engagement as co-chair in the Geneva International Discussions, and the continued presence of the EU Monitoring Mission, the only international monitoring mission on the ground", the EU delegation noted.
The statement also reiterated the EU's support for the territorial integrity of Georgia, as recognised by the international community.
The government and the public in Georgia marked 11 years since the war on Wednesday. The five-day conflict erupted in the Tskhinvali region and resulted in hundreds of military and civilian casualties as the Georgian Armed Forces fought the invading Russian military.
Georgia and Russia have had no direct diplomatic relations since the war.
Eleven years have passed since the most tragic day in the recent history of Georgia – the beginning of the five-day war between Russia and Georgia in 2008. Today the Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the date, saying that 11 years on from the war, Russia still continues its occupation and practical annexation of two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia).
Politicians from across the globe have marked the 11th anniversary of the 2008 Russia – Georgia War, stating Georgian territories were occupied by Russia in August 2008. “Russia continues its creeping annexation and occupies 20% of Georgia’s territory,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicus said in his Twitter post.
The European Union delegation to the Council of Europe (CoE) has issued a statement agreed upon with the EU heads of the mission to the CoE, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war and condemns Russian aggression in Georgia.
Several high-ranking guests from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine will arrive in Georgia today to participate in events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Foreign Ministers of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, vice prime ministers of Ukraine and Estonia will visit Khurvaleti village tomorrow, at the occupation line between Georgia and its occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.
High ranking guests from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine will visit Georgia on August 6-7 to mark the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
The United States Acting Ambassador to Georgia Elisabeth Rood visited the settlement of Tserovani nearby the capital of Tbilisi, where internally displaced people (IDPs) have been living since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. “In the 11 years since the Russian invasion of Georgia, each of these houses has come to tell a story of loss – the loss of families, friends, homes, and loved ones”, she said
Eleven years after the Russia-Georgia war the United Kingdom remains committed “to the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and a peaceful future for all”. The UK Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith released a statement on his official Twitter account both in English and Georgian.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, President Salome Zurabishvili and other state officials paid tribute today to the victims of the five-day war between Russia and Georgia of 2008. PM Bakhtadze said at the Mukhadgverdi cemetery that the Russian occupation of Georgia is “the pain that should unite us all” despite the differences in political views.
Georgian national flags are flying at half-mast today on all government buildings across the country to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the most tragic day in the recent history of the country – the five-day war between Russia and Georgia in 2008.
Diplomats and government officials from Europe took to Twitter this week to voice their support for Georgia's territorial integrity and condemn the ongoing Russian occupation of the country's regions on the 11th anniversary of the 2008 war.
Georgian diplomatic missions abroad have lowered flags to half-mast on the 11th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia War. The flags have been at half-mast for two days (August 7-8). Georgian national flags are also flying at half-mast today on all government buildings across the country.