US, UK ‘deeply concerned’ as Russia continues creeping occupation of Georgian territories
The US once again called on Russia to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory. Photo: AP.
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The US and the UK missions to OSCE say that they are ‘deeply troubled’ by reports that Russian-led security actors have resumed ‘aggressive, intensive borderisation activities’ along the occupation line, near the village of Takhtisdziri, occupied Tskhinvali region.
I am even more alarmed that these actions were undertaken during the Orthodox Easter weekend and against the backdrop of the global pandemic crisis. The posting of so-called border signs on a non-existent border and demands that Georgian security forces vacate the area increase tensions and undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” US Ambassador to OSCE James Gilmore said.
Posting of so-called "border" signs on a non-existent border & demands by de facto authorities that Georgian security forces vacate the area increase tensions & undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. https://t.co/guQCOfTae5@usingeo
— U.S. Mission to OSCE (@usosce) April 23, 2020
Gilmore stated that the US condemns these and all actions by the de facto authorities in Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) that aggravate tensions and detract from efforts to safeguard the lives and health of local populations.
We call for an immediate halt to the construction of any signs, structures, fencing, or barriers intended to reinforce or expand the illegal ‘borderisation’ of the administrative boundary line”, Gilmore said, adding that Russia’s illegal ‘borderisation’ activities and crossing point closures have a ‘detrimental effect’ on the populations living in Georgia’s occupied territories,” Gilmore said.
Deeply concerned about last week’s creation of “borders” within #Georgia ???????? by Russia & the de facto authorities of South Ossetia.
— UK Delegation OSCE (@UKOSCE) April 23, 2020
These actions only lead to further destabilisation & hardship and have to stop now.
???????? statement delivered at #OSCE: https://t.co/ukbV2DqXN1 pic.twitter.com/udYCiuaqa1
He stated that since September 2019, a number of people have needlessly died because the Russian-led de facto South Ossetian authorities did not allow those Georgian citizens to cross the occupation line to seek medical help.
Gilmore called on Russia to end its illegal occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territory and fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions.
He also called on Russia and the de facto authorities to ‘immediately allow’ unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for access for international monitors to the occupied Georgian territories of Tskhinvali and Abkhazia.