OSCE Group of Friends Adopts Statement in Support of Georgia

The OSCE Group of Friends of Georgia, which includes Canada, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, has adopted a joint statement which supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The statement was adopted at the 24th OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna, Austria, in which Georgian Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze also participated.

The statement expresses full support to the “strong determination of Georgia” in its aspirations of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and commends the commitment shown by the Georgian government in this regard.

“The Group of Friends congratulates Georgia on the successful conduction of the 2017 local elections, with full respect for fundamental human rights and international commitments,” the statement reads.

It also expresses its support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and highlights the difficult humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

“The statement condemns the mass destruction of houses in the breakaway South Ossetia village of Eredvi within the framework of Russian investment programs,” the Group of Friends stated.

The declaration, adopted on December 8, reaffirms the need to achieve progress at the Geneva International Discussions, including on the non-use of force, creation of international security arrangements and right of IDPs and refugees to return to the places of their origin in safety and dignity.

The OSCE Group urges the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of Georgia’s occupied regions, to withdraw its military forces, and to fulfill its commitments, including those under the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement mediated by the EU.

Minister Janelidze stated that the adoption of such a statement is a strong political message and a clear example of support for Georgia from the international community.

“It clearly demonstrates that the issue of the Georgia-Russian conflict is very active on the agenda of the international community, who believe that a peaceful resolution is vital,” he stated.

“The statement clearly underscores Georgia’s democratic progress and very important steps on the path of democratic consolidation. It is very important for the OSCE and in line with the values of this organization," the Minister added.

Thea Morrison