United States calls on Russia to suspend occupation, borderisation of Georgia

The United States calls on Russia to suspend its illegal occupation of Georgian territory, the US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stated at a press conference  yesterday. 

She said the US is “troubled by reports that Russian-backed de-facto authorities have resumed the installation of fencing on Georgian territory.”

• Russian occupation forces continue ‘border’ fortification along Gugutiantkari

Ortagus also stated that Russia must withdraw its forces to pre-conflict conditions and “allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance”, per the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. 

The process of borderisation indiscriminately and disproportionately affects civilians living in the area, separating them from their farmlands, families, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. We call on Russia to suspend its illegal occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territory; to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions; and to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with its clear obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement”, she said. 

Take a look at the press conference:

Russian occupation forces began erecting a new ‘border’ in the village of Gugutiantkari 16 days ago, near the Russia-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.

• Russia violates Georgian airspace, State Security Service says move is a ‘provocation’

Since August 7, occupation forces have seized 400 meters of land as they have erected a new border, having installed barbed wires on metal posts.

Two residential houses have ended up beyond the new occupation line as a result.