EU on 12th anniversary of Russia-Georgia war: EU’s commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict is as strong as ever
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The EU delegation to Georgia has responded to the 12th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war, stating that Russia continues its illegal presence on the Georgian territory and that the EU’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia ‘remains as strong as ever’.
Unfortunately, tensions have remained high over recent months and the Russian military presence in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia continues in violation of international law and commitments undertaken under the 12 August 2008 agreement,” said the statement released by the EU delegation to Georgia earlier today.
The statement reads that fundamental human rights of the conflict-affected population continue to be violated, including through restrictions on the freedom of movement by so-called ’borderisation’ policies, temporary closures of controlled crossing points and illegal detentions.
The European Union reconfirms its full commitment to the stabilisation and conflict resolution efforts in Georgia, including through its engagement as co-chair in the Geneva International Discussions, the efforts of the EU Special Representative and the crucial role played on the ground by the EU Monitoring Mission. The EU reiterates its firm support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders,” said the statement.
Lithuanian FM Linas Linkevicius has also responded to the date and condemned the Russian occupation of Georgian territories.
12y since #Russia’s premeditated aggression against #Georgia. Regrettably, the lessons have not been learnt as the aggression against????????followed. The creeping annexation & occupation of 20% of????????territory continues. We reaffirm firm support to????????sovereignty & territorial integrity. pic.twitter.com/kYtAQnyAev
— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) August 7, 2020
Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, UK, US, Ireland and Norway have expressed support for Georgia following the UN Security Council’s online meeting on August 5, which discussed developments since the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
The countries condemned Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories, the creeping occupation, the illegal detention of Georgian citizens and other unlawful activities by the Russian-controlled occupation forces over the past 12 years.
Consequences of Russian aggression in 2008 in Georgia include:
- Human losses: 412 killed on the Georgian side – including 170 military servicemen, 14 policemen and 228 civilians
- 1,747 wounded on the Georgian side – including 973 military servicemen, 227 policemen and 547 civilians
- Three journalists killed, six journalists wounded
- 130,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – out of which 26,000 are still denied the right of return. [Overall, the number of IDPs from both occupied regions is now close to half a million]
- 35,000 houses burned, ruined and destroyed
- 125 more villages have been occupied since the August 2008 war