Supportive Statements from American Partners on 12th Anniversary of August War
"This month marks 12 years since Russia’s full-scale military intervention into Georgia in August 2008. To this day, the Russian Federation is in clear violation of international law and continues to occupy the two Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. Russia continues its malign activities by conventional and unconventional methods, taking steps towards factual annexation of the two regions constituting 20% of Georgian internationally recognized territories, discriminating against thousands of ethnic Georgians.
"In the context of the 12th year since the August 2008 War, and Russia’s ongoing acts of aggression, American friends: Government officials from Executive and Legislative Branches, Members of Think Tank Community/Academia made public statements in support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," reports the Embassy of Georgia to the United States and publishes the statements of Georgia's foreign friends and partners supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"It has been 12 years since Russia invaded Georgia, killing hundreds and driving tens of thousands from their homes. Russia still occupies 20% of Georgia’s territory. We again call on Russia to withdraw its forces and fulfill its promises under the 2008 ceasefire agreement," stated US Acting Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker.
"Twelve years have passed since Russia invaded the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. August 7 is a somber reminder of the thousands who have suffered and continue to suffer in the wake of Russia’s invasion. Today, we remember residents forced out of their homes and forced to live as internally displaced persons. We remember innocent civilians who died because the de facto authorities closed the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABL) and denied them access to emergency medical care. We remember families torn apart and robbed of their livelihoods by illegal “borderization” activities. As the whole world grapples with the effects of COVID-19, Georgia also suffers from the loss of trade between communities now cut off by arbitrary lines, further hampering economic recovery.
"In the past year, we also witnessed a major Russian-led incursion, attempting to control hundreds of meters of additional Georgian territory at Chorchana-Tsnelisi. Russia continues to violate the conditions of the 2008 ceasefire agreement. Russian “border” guards detain civilians and use violence along the ABL, including recently shooting a Georgian citizen. Russian-led security forces continue to encroach deeper into Georgian territory, trying to expand the occupied territories meter by meter.
"Russia’s responsibilities under the 2008 ceasefire agreement are clear: Russia must withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions and allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We also call again on Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It is essential for hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees to be able to return safely and with dignity to their homes. The United States' commitment to our friends and partners in Georgia remains steadfast. We stand with the people of Georgia and join them in calling for these communities, divided by Russian aggression, to be united once again," the US Embassy in Georgia said in a statement.
"This week marks 12 years since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Georgia on 7 August 2008. Today, the Security Council heard a briefing by Assistant-Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča (DPPA), and discussed developments since then. We remember those who died and those who lost their homes, and regret that little progress has been made towards resolving the conflict since concluding the Agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008. We firmly support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
"The continuing Russian military presence in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as Russia’s recognition of the so-called independence of these regions violates the territorial integrity of Georgia and undermines Georgia’s sovereignty, as well as the Rules Based International Order. It further divides communities and puts at risk the health and lives of the conflict-affected population. We are extremely concerned about the intensification of the so-called “borderisation process” over the past year, including during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this already challenging time, the de-facto authorities exercising effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have continued the practice of arbitrary detentions along the Administrative Boundary Lines. De facto South Ossetian authorities have repeatedly denied emergency medical evacuations and incoming humanitarian aid. We are also concerned about the ongoing disinformation campaign by Russia about the pandemic and related health issues as well as false propaganda about the life-saving work of the Lugar Center.
"These acts prolong the conflict, threaten peace and stability, interfere with the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and negatively impact the health and safety of people across Georgia, destabilizing the region as a whole. Today we call again on the Russian Federation to fully implement her obligation and commitments under the Agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008. The Six Point Agreement of 12 August includes an obligation by Russia to withdraw its armed forces to positions held before hostilities began. The ceasefire agreement also committed the parties to establish an international security mechanism.
"We reiterate our support for the respect and protection of human rights, including the rights of forcibly displaced persons, as well as the importance of enabling their safe, voluntary, dignified and unhindered return to their homes in accordance with international law. The topic of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains a core issue of discussion within the Geneva International Discussions (GID). Despite the initial promise of significant progress towards reconciliation, we regret the lack of commitment on the part of the Russian Federation and resulting lack of progress achieved in the GID format. We further call on the de-facto authorities exercising effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to facilitate unhindered access to these regions, including religious sites, for relevant humanitarian and human rights actors and other individuals.
"We remain steadfast in our support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia and encourage all parties to redouble their efforts within the Geneva International Discussions", reads the joint statement by the UN Security Council members Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, the US, the UK, Norway and Ireland, which was adopted after the UN Security Council's closed-door meeting, where the counterparts discussed the situation in Georgia after the August 2008 war.
"Today is 12 years since Russia’s invasion of Georgia. The American people stood with our Georgian friends, providing assistance to help Georgia recover from the war. Today, USAID continues to partner with Georgia to support its democracy, economic growth, and resilience," USAID Assistant Administrator Brock Bierman tweeted.
"Twelve years after Russia’s reckless invasion, its occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and persistent interference in Georgian domestic politics continue. These actions were unacceptable in 2008 and they are unacceptable now.
"The Georgian people have striven and sacrificed to build a more democratic nation and Georgia has proven to be a critical partner to the United States and NATO, especially in Afghanistan. We must continue to wholeheartedly support the sovereignty of Georgia, Ukraine, and all our partners that suffer the brunt of Putin’s hostile actions abroad," reads the statement by Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Michel McCaul, the Committee’s Ranking Member.
"12 years ago today #Russia began its illegal invasion and occupation of Georgia. Russia's ongoing occupation violates its OSCE commitments, ceasefire agreements, and humanitarian obligations. No to the occupation," US Helsinki Commission tweeted.
"We cannot commemorate this anniversary with complacency. The US and our allies must redouble efforts to urgently restore respect for Georgia’s territorial integrity and hold Russia to account for its ongoing threats to international security," US Congressman Alcee Hastings (Florida) stated.
“Since the Russian invasion of Georgia, Moscow has continued to be a destabilizing force in the region by illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimea. Even after the invasions, Russia continues to flex control over these regions by manipulating agreements, such as the Open Skies Treaty, to restrict other states from flying over and surveilling illegally occupied territories. That is why I have been, and will continue to be, supportive of United States withdrawal from the Open Skies treaty,” said Turner. “As I have said before, treaties are not effective when other party states do not comply. Today, and every day, it is important to recognize Russian misuse of US-Moscow agreements. As long as Russia continues to exploit the Open Skies Treaty to restrict surveillance and reinforce false claims to territories like Ukraine’s Crimea, and Georgia’s South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions, I will continue to support actions that hold Russia accountable," US Congressman Mike Turner (Ohio) said.
"On the 12th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia, the US continues to stand with Georgia in the face of Russian aggression. Russia must withdraw its forces to pre-conflict lines", Senator Ron Johnson wrote on his Twitter page.
"12 years ago Russia invaded Georgia, and the Kremlin has continued these types of aggressive acts in Europe. The US and Georgia have built a strong partnership, and we stand by them as they pursue democracy. We must push back on Russian aggression at every turn," US Congressman Steve Womack (Arkansas) tweeted.
“This week marks the 12th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia. The subsequent annexation and continued occupation of Georgian territory is a stark reminder of the need for partnerships with our democratic allies abroad, many of whom depend on US assistance in combating hostile nations. While we should not have to remind the world of the need to respect the sovereignty, unfortunately, we must as acts of aggression and occupation continue around the world. Russia’s invasion took place not only the battlefield but also in cyberspace, where they launched cyberattacks to target critical infrastructure and communications, significantly delaying Georgia’s response and capabilities. As we reaffirm our commitment, we should also focus on preventing similar attacks by helping bolster our allies’ preparedness”, Congressman John Katko said.
”The time has come for Georgia to become a full member of NATO. I believe, my friends will agree that the fact that Georgia is occupied, should not become a reason not to join Georgia into NATO. We know that Georgia is one of the strongest partners in operations in Afghanistan. When we talk about participation on a per capita basis, Georgia comes second after the United States in terms of participation in Afghanistan and this partnership is very important for the future. The US Congress, Senate, and President all support Georgia and we will continue to do so”, US Congressman Adam Kinzinger said at an international online conference Peace and Security in Europe: 12 years of Georgia’s Struggle for De-Occupation.
"America must stay focused on Georgia's de-occupation and transatlantic path," reads the article by Luke Coffey, the director of the Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation.
"Twelve years later, thousands of Russian troops still occupy Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (commonly referred to as South Ossetia), which together equal 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory. If a foreign army occupied the equivalent one-fifth of the contiguous US, it would be comparable to all land west of the Rocky Mountains. Russia is still in violation of two main points of the Six Point Ceasefire Agreement. For example, Russian military forces must pull back to their locations before the start of hostilities and must provide free access for humanitarian assistance in the occupied regions. Moscow has done neither," the author of the publication points out.
"More must be done in DC/Brussels/Berlin/Paris to make Georgia’s membership in NATO and EU a reality. Today's anniversary is a reminder of efforts by Putin/Kremlin to create, chaos and violence if necessary for their own interests," said Jonathan Katz, GMF.
"Georgia is an integral member of the EuroAtlantic Community. The US stands with the people of Georgia in their effort to build a prosperous & democratic country. This month we remember the 2008 Russian invasion & ongoing occupation," US-Europe Alliance tweeted.
'On the 12th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia, we remember that Putin’s Russia continues to violate Georgia’s sovereignty and illegally occupy 20% of its territory," Ambassador Ian Kelly wrote.
"Twelve years ago today, Russia illegally invaded Georgia and instigated a 5-day war. Today, Russia’s aggression continues through borderization. Twenty percent of Georgia’s territory is currently occupied by Russia," stated Alexis Mrachek, Heritage Foundation.
"Today is 12th year of Russian aggression against Georgia and occupation of Georgian territory in violation of international law. Georgia's friends/partners must do more to restore its territorial integrity," Ambassador John Heffern wrote.
By Ana Dumbadze
Source: The Embassy of Georgia to The United States