MFA: Destructive Moves by Occupation Forces Are Especially Alarming Now

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has categorically condemned the continuation of illegal process of erection of artificial barriers by the Russian occupation forces in the vicinity of the village of Takhtisdziri, Kareli Municipality.

The statement released by the Ministry reads that the erection of artificial barriers by the occupation forces has already restricted the access of the local population to agricultural lands.

“Amid the coronavirus pandemic, especially in Easter days, by making such destructive steps, the Russian Federation is deliberately trying to escalate the situation on the ground and aggravate the security environment. With these steps, Russia and its occupying regime put the conflict-affected population in an unbearable situation. Many people living in the Tskhinvali region lost their lives as they were not allowed to move to the territory controlled by the central government of Georgia and receive medical treatment.

“Such destructive moves are especially alarming now when the whole world is trying to deal with the spread of coronavirus infection. In such a critical situation, it is especially important for us to take care of the population affected by the conflict, who are already under pressure and discrimination.

“The Georgian government spares no effort to improve security and human rights environment on the ground. We are in close coordination with the co-chairs of the Geneva International Talks and the EU Monitoring Mission to stop the illegal process of erecting artificial barriers on the occupation line and give the people living in the occupied territories the opportunity of free movement.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its provocative and destructive actions and fulfill its international obligations, including the ceasefire agreement signed on August 12, 2008, with the mediation of the European Union.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appeals to the international community to give an appropriate assessment to these developments and take effective measures regarding the ongoing illegal processes on the occupation line,” reads the statement.

Russian-controlled occupation forces erected illegal installations at the village of Takhtisdziri, Kareli Municipality, the State Security Service of Georgia reported today. 

The SSSG said that on April 17, representatives of the Russian occupation forces resumed the process of illegal borderization on the ground, adding that this is the part of the illegal activities that the occupation forces have been conducting along the occupation line since 2011.

"Such illegal activities significantly damage the security environment on the ground and the daily life of the locals," the Security Service noted. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Occupation Forces Resume Illegal Borderization in Kareli Municipality