OSCE Group of Friends of Georgia: ‘Russia must withdraw forces to pre-2008 war positions'
A column of Russian armored vehicles moves through North Ossetia towards the Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia's capital Tskhinvali on August 8, 2008. Photo: AP/Musa Sadulayev.
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The Group of Friends of Georgia in the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has released a statement in which they call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions in Georgia.
Twelve years have passed since Russia launched a military attack on Georgia to solidify its control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The anniversary of the August 2008 war was a somber reminder of the thousands who have suffered and continue to suffer in the wake of Russia’s invasion", said the US Ambassador to OSCE Jim Gilmore III who delivered the statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia in the OSCE on September 3.
The Group of Friends of Georgia include Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The statement reads that Russia-led security forces continue to ‘encroach deeper into Georgia’, trying to expand the occupied territories meter by meter, 'a matter that should certainly be a focus of concern of this Permanent Council'.
Russia’s obligation under the 2008 ceasefire agreement is clear: Russia must withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions. Russia also committed to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We also call again on Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It is essential for hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced people to be able to voluntarily return to their homes safely and with dignity", said Gilmore III.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the OSCE Ketevan Tsikhelashvili also delivered her speech at the OSCE where she said that Russia still is not fulfilling the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 and is further strengthening the militarisation of the occupied territories and taking steps towards their de facto annexation.