Russia continues to occupy Georgian lands in “gross violation” of int’l law, 2008 ceasefire - Reconciliation Ministry

The Georgian State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civil Equality on Monday said Russia was proceeding with its illegal occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions in “gross violation” of international law and the 2008 ceasefire agreement, in a message for the 15th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict. 

The body stressed Russia and the de facto authorities in the regions were engaged in “systematic violation” of fundamental human rights of the local communities and those living along the Administrative Boundary Lines.

It listed installation of illegal barriers, unlawful detention of Georgian citizens for “illegally crossing the border”, discrimination of ethnic Georgians and “other efforts aimed at hindering the reconciliation process” among the actions of the occupation authorities.

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The offenders involved in murders of Georgian citizens in the occupied regions remain unpunished by the de facto authorities, the body added, placing “full responsibility for all illegal actions” in the regions on Russia.

The Ministry noted Russia was denying the European Union Monitoring Mission access to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali despite efforts of the Georgian Government. It also pointed to security challenges sparked by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and highlighted the Government’s stance to resolve conflicts peacefully - an approach it said had “no alternative”. 

It also highlighted the “extremely important role” of the international community in ensuring the rights of the people in the occupied regions, preventing actions aimed at isolating the regions from the rest of Georgia, and promoting people-to-people dialogue.