EU High Representative reiterates bloc’s “unwavering support” to Georgia’s sovereignty on 16th anniversary of Russian aggression against country

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Tuesday reaffirmed the bloc’s “unwavering support” to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia in his statement on the 16th anniversary of the Russian aggression against Georgia.  

“The European Union reiterates its unwavering support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders”, the statement, released by the European External Action Service, said.

The High Representative also condemned Russia’s continued military presence in the occupied regions and noted that “restrictions on freedom of movement must end” and justice “must be ensured for all victims” of the war.  

We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s continued military presence in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of both international law and of Russia’s commitments under the 12 August 2008 six-point agreement. The human rights of conflict-affected communities in Georgia continue to be violated, including through ‘borderisation’ policies, closures of crossing points and illegal detentions by the Russian military and de facto authorities”, he pointed out.

The statement also highlighted that the EU remained “fully committed” to peaceful conflict resolution, including through the European Union’s engagement as co-chair in the Geneva International Discussions, through the work of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and the continued presence on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission in the country.