EU Parliament SEDE Chair Criticizes Developments in Georgia’s Occupied Regions
The Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense (SEDE) of the European Parliament, Anna Fotyga, expressed deep concern over the latest developments in the occupied Abkhazia (Sokhumi) and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions of Georgia in her statement released on April 6.
The MEP namely condemned the parliamentary elections that took place in the occupied region of Abkhazia on March 12 and the presidential elections in the occupied Tskhinvali region to be held on April 9.
“These elections are taking place against the background of waves of ethnic cleansing in both regions and of serious violations of human rights. Any attempt to legitimize forcibly changed demographic situation of both regions is unacceptable,” Fotyga writes.
Moreover, the Polish MEP condemned the referendum planned for April 9 in the Tskhinvali region to change its name. Fotyga says the referendum “is aimed to prepare ground for its illegal annexation.”
The MEP also denounced the signing of the agreement on incorporation of the unlawful military units of the occupied Tskhinvali region into the armed forces of the Russian Federation that took place on March 31, 2017.
Fotyga determined this step to be the continuation of the policy of Georgia’s annexation by the Russia Federation, that began with signing the treaties of alliance and integration/strategic alliance between Russia and its occupation regimes in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali.
“Integration of Georgia’s occupied regions into the military system of the Russian Federation also adds up to Moscow’s continued refusal to commit to the non-use of force in the region and to comply with the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. The EU should make it clear that by these provocative actions, the Russian Federation is seriously harming the Geneva International Discussions and intentionally obstructs any potential progress in the peace process,” she added.
The Chair of SEDE also criticized the closure of crossing points along the administrative boundary line with breakaway Abkhazia which, according to her, “aggravates even more the situation on the ground. “
“This measure is aimed at further restricting freedom of movement and people to people contacts which has been an important factor of confidence-building in the conflict-torn region”, she stressed.
The statement also reads that the SEDE will continue to closely monitor and assess the situation in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
By Thea Morrison