Japan Expresses Concern over Recent Developments in Georgia’s Occupied Regions

TBILISI – The Japanese Embassy to Georgia issued a statement on March 1st expressing concern over the recent developments in Georgia’s Occupied Regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“It is Japan’s consistent position that peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia’s occupied regions of Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia in line with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders is essential for the peace and stability of the country and the entire South Caucasus region,” the statement reads.

Moreover, the embassy says that Japan is concerned regarding the announced referendum on changing the name of the Georgia’s Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, planned for April 9th as well as the closure crossing points along the occupation line of the Abkhazia region, which “is causing grave violations of human rights, and reconfirms its above-mentioned position.”

“Japan and Georgia oppose any attempts to change Georgia’s internationally recognized borders. These points are clearly expressed in the Joint Statement between Japan and Georgia on “Solidarity for Peace and Democracy” signed in October 2014,” the embassy’s statement continues to say.

By Thea Morrison

By Thea Morrison