Russian official’s statement is “continuation” of occupation, “another attempt” to violate Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity - Foreign Ministry

The Georgian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said the statement of Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chair of the Security Council of Russia, about Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) was a “continuation” of occupation and “another attempt” to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

The Ministry’s comment followed today’s statement by Medvedev, in which he said that “the idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and it can be implemented if there is a good reason for it”.

The foreign office called on Russia to respect the fundamental principles and norms of international law and fulfil its obligations and commitments under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, on the 15th anniversary of the August war.

Georgia “firmly” adheres to the peaceful policy of conflict resolution, the state body stressed, adding the policy would ensure the de-occupation of the country’s territories and reconciliation of war-divided communities, as well as the peaceful coexistence between them.