Western Balkans parliamentary delegation visit occupation line in central Georgia

A parliamentary delegation from countries of the Western Balkan region on Tuesday visited the central Georgian village of Odzisi to observe the administrative line separating the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region from the rest of the country.

Irakli Beraia, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Defence and Security Committee, accompanied the delegation, which is on visit for an interparliamentary conference on European integration between Georgia and the countries of the region in Tbilisi.

The delegation inspected the infrastructure illegally set up by the Russian occupation forces adjacent to the administrative line, the Georgian Parliament said.

In his comments, Beraia said the visiting officials “witnessed the results of the occupation”, including the illegal constructions, closed passages and artificial barriers erected by the occupation forces.

He added it was “important” for visiting partners of the country to observe the “cruel face of the Russian occupation” on the spot, where he said the “frontline of European security passes”.

The lawmaker added the visit latest “once again confirmed” the need for the international community to increase pressure on Russia to end its occupation of the regions and respect its obligations under international law.