Georgian Foreign Ministry Release Statement for Seven Year War Anniversary

Seven years have passed since Russia invaded Georgia with full-scale military aggression, occupying the entire territory of the sovereign country. The main purpose? So Russia could wage war on the smaller, progressive territory and to distance Georgia from European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

“7 August 2014 marks the 7th anniversary of Russia's large-scale military aggression against Georgia and occupation of the regions of the sovereign and independent state. Seven years after the August 2008 war, 20 percent of Georgia's territory remains under occupation, resulted in mass violations of fundamental rights of the local population and the hundreds of thousands of victims of ethnic cleansing, which are still denied the right to safe and dignified return to the places of their original residence.” – says the statement published by the Georgian Foreign Ministry (MFA)

The statement emphasises that, despite the constructive measures undertaken by the Georgian government, Moscow continues its policy of creeping annexation against Georgia, violating the fundamental principles of international law and the 12th August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.

“A clear illustration of that is the signature of the so-called “treaties” on integration with the Sokhumi and Tskhinvali occupation regimes, the continuation of the installation of artificial obstacles along the occupation line and placement of banners marking the so-called “state border” by Moscow. Such actions violate not only the fundamental principles of international law, but infringes civil, social and economic rights of local residents, primarily, their right to the freedom of movement.”

The MFA emphasises the importance of the Geneva International Discussions established in accordance with the 12th August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement which prioritises the non-use of force pledge by the Russian Federation, the establishment of international security arrangements as well as the safe and dignified return of the displaced population.

The statement also includes information on Georgia’s current position on the topic: “During the last few years, the Government of Georgia has undertaken a number of significant steps to de-escalate the conflict with Russia, which resulted in the resumption of trade, cultural and humanitarian relations between the two countries. The Government of Georgia will further continue the implementation of de-escalation policy and will use all available diplomatic and political tools in order to resolve the existing conflict through peaceful means only, based on the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.”

The Foreign Ministry considers firm and consistent support of the international community with utmost importance.

“Georgia expresses its gratitude and once again calls upon the international community to continue its firm support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.”

The MFA expressed its deepest sympathy to the families of the Georgian soldiers and civil population who fell a victim to the August 2008 War.

Zviad Adzinbaia