OSCE Parliamentary Assembly urges “immediate and unconditional” withdrawal of Russian military from occupied Georgian regions

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe on Tuesday urged an “immediate and unconditional” withdrawal of Russian military forces from Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

In the Vancouver Declaration adopted by the Assembly at the 30th annual session, the organisation stressed the need to continue “active” engagement in peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, in full respect of Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The document also expressed “deep concern” over Russia’s occupation of the regions since the 2008 war between the two countries, and underscored the necessity of “full implementation” by Russia of the EU-mediated August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement, safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes, and “constructive engagement” in the Geneva International Discussions. 

The declaration called on the full implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court, in reference to the ICC ruling that issued arrest warrants against three de facto officials of the Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region in a case of torture and ill-treatment of Georgian civilians during the 2008 war. 

The Parliamentary Assembly also condemned the deterioration in the humanitarian and human rights situation in the two regions as a result of “violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights” of their residents, “various forms of discrimination” against ethnic Georgians, as well as “obliteration and alteration of Georgian features” from Georgian cultural heritage monuments in both regions, as a direct consequence of Russia’s ongoing occupation and “Russification” policy.