- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
We are extremely concerned about the developments in Ukraine. Russia’s military actions undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as the UN Charter and fundamental principles of the international law that will have severe consequences not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire international community. We express strong solidarity with our friends, Ukrainian people and call on the international community to take all the necessary steps towards de-escalation and to stop the violence.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
Georgia is following with concern the latest developments around Ukraine, which pose yet another serious challenge for the European and Global security.
Recognizing Ukraine’s territories - Donetsk and Lugansk as independent states by Russia represents yet another flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law, and in fact repeats the scenario of Russia’s military intervention into Georgia’s Tskhinvali region in 2008 and subsequent recognition of the independence of this region and of Abkhazia/Georgia, and their occupation.
Georgia unequivocally supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We express the hope that the international community will give its strict assessment and response to this yet another violation of the fundamental principles of international law, and to the absolutely unacceptable attempt to redraw forcefully the state borders in East Europe.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Georgia watches closely over the ongoing processes in Ukraine. We remain in constant contact with our colleagues in Ukraine, as well as with partner countries and organizations.
Given the high probability of further escalation in Ukraine, the Embassy of Georgia in Kiev and the Georgian consulates general in the cities of Odessa and Donetsk (with residence in Kiev) have switched to an emergency working regime. A hotline has been set up for the citizens of Georgia in Ukraine: +380 (63) 376 77 68; +380 (93) 761 17 17.
Georgia’s diplomatic representations keep constant communication with Georgian citizens in Ukraine and urge them to take into account the difficult security situation on the ground.
The U.S. and the EU member states have called on their citizens to leave the territory of Ukraine.
Based on the given situation, we call on the Georgian citizens to keep in contact with the Georgian embassy to Ukraine to receive up-to-date information, as well as to get logistic and informational support in case they decide to leave the Ukrainian territory.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the seizure by Hussites of UAE-flagged ship Rawabi in Yemen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its concern over the hijacking by Hussites of the United Arab Emirates-flagged ship Rawabi off the coast of Yemen’s Hodeidah province, on 2 January.
Georgia strongly condemns extremism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that this fact can lead to further escalation of the conflict, which will negatively impact the already difficult situation in the region.
The Ministry expresses hope that the incident will be resolved in a timely manner through the efforts of the international community.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the statement made by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10 December
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers unacceptable the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, according to which the Russian Federation "considers it necessary to disavow the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision - that Georgia and Ukraine will become NATO members".
On April 3, 2008, at the NATO Bucharest Summit the leaders of the NATO member states decided that Georgia (and Ukraine) will become a NATO member. The above-mentioned is an extremely important, consensus-based political decision in line with the fundamental principle of international law that all states have the sovereign right to choose their own foreign policy course. Moreover, this decision is based on Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, according to which any European state, which will further the principles of the Treaty and contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area can become a member of NATO.
NATO integration is a sovereign decision of Georgia, based on the unwavering will of the majority of the Georgian population. This goal is also enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia.
It should be noted that the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision was reiterated at all consequent NATO summits held after 2008. Furthermore, NATO 2021 Brussels summit communiqué underscored that the Allies consider it unacceptable for any third party to interfere in the determination of the countries’ foreign policy priorities.
According to all above-mentioned, any statement made by a third party regarding the revision of the Bucharest Summit decision, which is contrary to the fundamental principles and norms of international law, is unacceptable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the same time, it should be emphasized that today the main challenge of the European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture are the actions of the Russian Federation, which has occupied and annexed the territories of neighboring sovereign states, neglected the basic principles of international law and has not fulfilled its own international obligations.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia spoke to the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Georgia, Li Yang, regarding the meeting that allegedly took place on 6 December, in Damascus, between the so-called Abkhaz ambassador Bagrat Khutaba and the Chinese Ambassador to Syria, Feng Biao.
Describing it as misunderstanding, the Chinese Ambassador said that they in the Capital are enquiring about the details and clarifications will be provided to Georgia as soon as possible. The Ambassador highlighted that the Government of the People’s Republic of China respects Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to do so in the future. Li Yang thanked the Georgian Government for strictly adhering to the One-China Principle stressing that such approach of the parties is an essential prerequisite to friendly and partner relations between the two countries.
The sides agreed that the Chinese Foreign Ministry will once again instruct its embassies abroad to abstain from any such contacts.
On 7 December, the Georgian Ambassador to China, Archil Kalandia met with the Head of the Europe and Central Asia Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry where the Chinese side reaffirmed China’s unequivocal support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the 54th Round of the Geneva International Discussions
The 54th round of the Geneva International Discussions was held on 13 October 2021. The main issues of the discussions included the release of the illegally detained Georgian citizens, de-facto annexation process of Georgia’s occupied territories and solution of humanitarian problems on the ground.
During the negotiations, the Georgian delegation raised Moscow’s recently accelerated steps towards de-facto annexation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, including the implementation of the so-called programme on creation of a common socio-economic space, and signing of so-called treaty on dual citizenship. In this light, the particular emphasis was placed on Moscow’s attempts to illegally seize a part of the village Aibgha, and to delineate and demarcate unilaterally the Georgia-Russia state border on the segments of the occupied territories. The Georgian participants underlined that holding of the Russian Parliamentary Elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and voting for the majoritarian MPs in the Russian State Duma clearly demonstrates the ongoing process of de-facto annexation of the Georgian regions by Russia.
One of the main topics of the discussion was Russia's non-compliance with the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, namely: the intensified militarization of the occupied territories, illegal military exercises and violations of Georgia’s airspace, as well as the installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers along the occupation line by Russian FSB personnel. The Georgian representatives stated that Moscow's illegal statements on the so-called delimitation and demarcation of the occupation line are completely unacceptable, and the only solution to the issue is the de-occupation of Georgia’s territories. During the negotiations, particular attention was devoted to the process of creeping occupation near the village Chorchana, which creates a risk for escalation on the ground.
The head of the Georgian delegation stressed that by carrying out a large-scale military aggression in August 2008, as well as through ongoing provocations and hybrid warfare tools over the past 13 years, Moscow has been deliberately trying to destabilize the situation in the country, hinder Georgia's democratic development and its European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Lasha Darsalia stated that Moscow's destructive actions against Georgia constitute gross violations of the fundamental norms and principles of international law, which has been attested by the international court. He stressed that the European Court of Human Rights legally established the fact of Russia's occupation and effective control over Georgia’s territories, and found Moscow responsible for human rights violations on the ground.
The Georgian representatives highlighted the need for execution of justice in the cases of murder of Davit Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria and Archil Tatunashvili, and once again raised the issue of the death of Irakli Kvaratskhelia at the Russian military base in the Abkhazia region.
The Georgian participants provided a detailed overview of the security challenges for the local population and their difficult humanitarian conditions, which have been further exacerbated due to the illegal process of the so-called "borderization", restriction of freedom of movement and various discriminatory measures. Special focus was made on the practice of illegal detentions and kidnappings of Georgian citizens. The Co-Chairs along with the representatives of Georgia and the US stressed the need for unconditional release of Irakli Bebua and the rest of the illegally detained Georgian citizens, and emphasized the necessity of solving the issue through the humanitarian approach.
During the negotiations, the necessity of entry of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and its operation throughout the whole territory of Georgia, in accordance with its mandate, was raised.
It was highlighted that the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, which has been suspended for the last 3 years, needs to be restored unconditionally with respect of the founding principles and ground rules.
The special emphasize was placed on grave consequences of the lengthy closure of the occupation line in the Tskhinvali region and the subsequent isolation of the Akhalgori district, which has forced the local population to leave their own houses and caused the district to be emptied. The Co-Chairs along with the Georgian representatives noted the resumption of movement across the Enguri bridge, and underlined the need for unconditional opening of the so-called crossing points in both occupied regions.
Extensive discussions were held on the grave human rights situation and ethnic discrimination against Georgians in the occupied territories, including their forceful registration as “foreigners”, prohibition of education in native language in schools and kindergartens, as well as the violations of property rights. In this context, the need to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people living in the Gali district and Kodori gorge was emphasized.
During the negotiations, the Georgian representatives focused on the challenges of the conflict-affected population amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and emphasized the need for unimpeded access to healthcare services as well as proper functioning of medical evacuation across the occupation line.
The Georgian participants discussed the severe conditions of the monuments of cultural heritage in the occupied territories, and raised the issue of their intentional damage and destruction.
The Georgian delegation underlined the necessity of strengthening the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda within the Geneva International Discussions, namely, the need for increasing women’s meaningful engagement as well as adopting a gender-sensitive approach in order to ensure an inclusive peace process.
Broad discussion was held on the key issues of the agenda, such as the non-use of force and international security arrangements. The Georgian participants underlined that Georgia has reaffirmed numerous times its commitment to the non-use of force and remains in full compliance with this pledge, while Russia continues using force and threat of force against the Georgian side. Against this background, the head of the Georgian delegation stressed that Russia must affirm and implement the non-use of force commitment vis-à-vis Georgia. According to Lasha Darsalia, the only guarantee for ensuring lasting peace and security on the ground is the fulfilment of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement by Russia, withdrawal of the occupation forces from Georgia’s territory, and deployment of international security mechanisms in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.
Due to the destructive position of Russia and its occupation regimes, the discussion was not held on one of the main issues of the agenda – the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, forcibly expelled from their homes as a result of ethnic cleansing. As soon as the agenda item was opened, the participants from Moscow, Sokhumi and Tskhinvali tried to politicize the issue and walked out of the negotiations.
Prior to the Geneva International Discussions, bilateral consultations with the Co-Chairs and the Co-Moderators were held. Also, the follow-up discussion took place on the topic of the Information Session “Comprehensive/Human Dimension of Security”, which was held at the previous Round. During the current Information Session, the discussion was focused on the issues of safety, needs and rights of the conflict-affected people.
The next round of the Geneva International Discussions will take place on 7-8 December, 2021.
The Geneva International Discussions were launched on the basis of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. The discussions are held within the frames of two Working Groups, where participants are represented in their individual capacity. In the first Working Group talks are focused on security and stability in the occupied territories of Georgia, while in second Working Group – on humanitarian and human rights situation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, as well as on the issues related to safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees to the places of their origin. The discussions are held with Co-Chairmanship of the EU, UN and OSCE, and participation of Georgia, the Russian Federation and the USA. The Head of the Provisional Administration of the former South Ossetian Autonomous District and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the representatives of the Sokhumi and Tskhinvali occupation regimes also attend the Working Groups.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the parliamentary elections organized by the Russian Federation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol and does not recognize the parliamentary elections organized there by the Russian Federation on 17-19 September 2021, which represents a gross violation of the fundamental norms of international law and the legislation of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia reaffirms its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on holding the Russian State Duma elections in Georgia’s occupied territories
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns holding of the 19 September 2021 Russian State Duma elections and illegal opening of the about 20 polling stations in Georgia’s occupied territories, as Moscow’s another destructive step against Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity that grossly violates the fundamental norms of international law and fully disregards the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.
The fact that the population living in Georgia’s occupied territories elect the majoritarian MPs from Russia’s Voronezh, Leningrad, Samara Oblasts and Zabaykalsky Krai alongside with Russian political parties within the Russian State Duma clearly demonstrates the ongoing de-facto annexation process of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia.
While since the early 2000s the Russian Federation has conducted the illegal, forced passportisation in Georgia’s occupied territories and continues the occupation and effective control of those regions, and as a result hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees are still deprived of the possibility to return to their homes in a safe and dignified manner, any elections and moreover – the elections of the legislative body of the occupying country are illegal and cannot have any legal effect. The aforementioned is attested by the Judgement of the international court - the European Court of Human Rights that legally established the responsibility of the Russian Federation, as the state occupying and exercising effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, for violations of the fundamental norms of international law therein.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations and implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, withdraw its forces from Georgia’s territory, allow deployment of international security mechanisms on the ground and reverse its illegal decision on recognition of so-called independence of the occupied territories.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia appeals to the international community to give a due assessment and proper response to yet another illegal action of Russia directed against Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the 13th anniversary of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war
7 August 2021 marks 13 years since Russia’s military aggression against Georgia and illegal occupation of Georgia’s indivisible regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia.
13 years ago it was Georgia where the Russian Federation first applied its aggressive policy of violation of territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders of sovereign states, which has seriously threatened European and Transatlantic security and undermined the rules-based international order. Russia’s full-scale military intervention in Georgia through air, land, sea and cyber attacks in August 2008, as well as illegal occupation of Georgia’s territories, steps towards their de-facto annexation and intensified so-called borderisation process along the occupation line that continue for the last 13 years blatantly violate the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.
After 13 years the European Court of Human Rights ruled its verdict on Russia’s forcible invasion of Georgia, and established that the Russian Federation, as the state occupying and exercising effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, had been responsible for violation of multiple articles of the European Convention of Human Rights during the August 2008 war and the period of subsequent occupation of Georgia’s territories. Namely, the Strasbourg Court found Russia responsible for grave crimes and abuses of the fundamental human rights, such as: deprivation of the right to life and killing of peaceful civilians and militaries; their torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; ethnic cleansing, burning, looting and destroying Georgian villages; violation of the right of hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees to return to their homes; violation of the right to liberty and security; infringement of the right to freedom of movement, the right to respect for private and family life and the property rights. The Court also ruled that the Russian Federation continues its illegal military presence on Georgia’s territory in full disregard for the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite that, the Russian Federation continues occupation and militarization of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, regularly conducts illegal military exercises in those regions, intensively fortifies the occupation line with barbed wire fences and various artificial barriers, follows the practice of rbitrary detention and kidnapping of the local peaceful population, restricts freedom of movement of the conflict-affected people and deliberately hinders the return of IDPs and refugees, who have been forcibly expelled as a result of multiple waves of ethnic cleansing, to their homes. With such aggressive steps, the Russian Federation continues to use force and threat of force against Georgia, and tries to destabilize the country through active hybrid warfare tools.
Against this backdrop, the human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories has been deteriorating on a daily basis. In addition to the restrictions on freedom of movement, ethnic discrimination against Georgians living in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions has been intensified, education in native Georgian language has been banned, while residents of Gali and Akhalgori districts continue to live in extremely difficult socio-economic conditions. The humanitarian situation of the conflict-affected population has become even more critical during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At the same time, the impunity on crimes committed on the ground of ethnicity has been strengthened, as it has been encouraged as a result of hindering execution of justice in the cases of murder of Georgian citizens – D.Basharuli, G.Otkhozoria and A.Tatunashvili by representatives of the occupation regimes.
Despite those challenges, the Government of Georgia unwaveringly pursues its peaceful conflict resolution and conflict transformation policy, which is directed towards de-occupation of the Georgian regions by Russia and the safe and dignified return of the IDPs and refugees, on the one hand; and reconciliation and confidence building between the Georgian population divided by occupation line, on the other hand. Georgia has fully implemented the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and has numerously reconfirmed its unilateral adherence to the commitment of the non-use of force, still awaiting for the reciprocity from the Russian side. In parallel, the Georgian Government has been taking active steps to deepen engagement and interaction between the societies divided by war and occupation line, and continues implementation of the peace initiative "A Step to a Better Future". Recently, the Government of Georgia has established the Government Commission for elaboration and subsequent implementation of “State Strategy for De-Occupation and Peaceful Conflict Resolution” with the aim to build an inclusive, whole-of-nation process to pursue a more effective, results-oriented and comprehensive peace policy. We are ready for a broad dialogue to define jointly together with the Abkhaz and Ossetian societies our common future and to ensure peaceful, mutual interests based cohabitation in a modern, European, democratic state that will attract Abkhaz and Ossetian communities and equally protect their rights and freedoms.
Georgia highly values the strong support of the international community for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as the significant role the partner countries and international organisations are playing in support of the peaceful conflict resolution process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the Russian Federation to respect the fundamental principles of international law and fulfil its obligations under the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, withdraw its occupation forces from Georgia’s territory, reverse the illegal decision on recognition of so-called independence of the occupied territories, and allow deployment of international security mechanisms on the ground.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia appeals to the international community to take decisive efforts in the process of de-occupation of Georgia’s territories and return of IDPs and refugees to their homes, facilitate ensuring peace and security in Georgia and Eastern Europe, and duly assess Russia’s continuous aggressive policy in the wider Black Sea region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails of the opportunity and expresses its condolences to the families and relatives of the civilians and the soldiers who died heroically in the 2008 War.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the 53rd Round of the Geneva International Discussions
The 53rd round of the Geneva International Discussions was held on 30 June 2021. The main issues of the discussions included the release of Zaza Gakheladze and other illegally detained Georgian citizens, intensified process of de-facto annexation and illegal seizure of a part of Aibgha village by Russia, deteriorated humanitarian situation in the occupied territories and necessity of ensuring freedom of movement for local population.
The discussions focused on acceleration of steps towards de-facto annexation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions by Russia. The Georgian delegation sharply raised Moscow’s provocative steps to define unilaterally the Georgia-Russia state border on the segments of the occupied territories and to incorporate a part of Aibga village of Gagra District into Krasnodar Krai, assessing it as an illegal process of annexation. In this context, the Georgian participants raised the intensified work for integration of the Abkhazia region into Russia through implementation of the so-called programme on joint economic and social space, as well as discussions on establishment of so-called “union state” held between the Russian President and the leader of the Sokhumi occupation regime. It was underlined that Russia’s destructive attempts to forcibly change sovereign borders in Europe are illegal and cannot have any legal effect, as they blatantly violate the fundamental norms of international law and undermine the rules-based international order.
In this context, the Georgian participants highlighted the historical Judgment of the European Court of Human rights, which established effective control and occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions by the Russian Federation as a legalistic fact, and found Russia responsible for human rights violations during the 2008 August war as well as the subsequent period of occupation of Georgia’s territories. The Georgian delegation stated that the Strasbourg Court explicitly speaks about Russia’s responsibility for violation of the right of IDPs and refugees to return to their homes and underlines that the Russian Federation has not implemented the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.
The Georgian participants focused on increased provocations, intensified so-called borderisation, installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers as well as illegal detentions and kidnappings of locals by the Russian occupation forces. Particular attention was dedicated to the issue of release of Zaza Gakheladze and other illegally detained Georgian citizens. The necessity of solving the issue in a humanitarian manner, unconditionally and timely was stressed.
Within the negotiations, the emphasis was made on militarization and illegal military exercises in the occupied territories, as well as regular violations of Georgia’s air space. It was stressed that the ongoing creeping occupation in the vicinity of Chorchana village creates the growing risks of escalation of conflict.
Important part of the discussions was dedicated to human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground. Fatal results and grave socio-economic impact of restriction of freedom of movement across the occupation line was underlined. The Georgian delegation spoke about drowning of 4 Georgian citizens in Enguri River and death of another local resident as a result of injuries inflicted when he fell off the cliff, and stated that these humanitarian tragedies happened because the people were trying to cross the occupation line through alternative routs to avoid illegal detention.
The Georgian delegation raised the issue of ethnic discrimination against Georgians in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and drew attention to the severe conditions of residents of the Akhalgori and Gali districts, as well as the Kodori gorge. The emphasis was made on the necessity of ensuring education in native language for ethnic Georgians and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of local population. The importance of unimpeded medical evacuation and the need for unrestricted access to healthcare services for the people living in the occupied territories were also highlighted. The Georgian participants once again brought up the issue of restriction of freedom movement of civil activist and resident of Akhalgori, Tamar Mearakishvili, who has not been allowed by the Russian occupation regime in Tskhinvali to cross the occupation line and visit her family members for years.
The Georgian delegation once again stressed the need for execution of justice in the cases of murder of Davit Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria and Archil Tatunashvili, noting that the sense of impunity encourages ethnically motivated violence and crime.
The Georgian participants spoke about the condition of the monuments of cultural heritage in the occupied territories and focused on their intentional damage and destruction, assessing it as a part of the Russification process and an attempt to erase Georgian traces in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.
The discussion focused on the need for entry of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, and for unrestricted access of international humanitarian and human rights organizations on the ground.
It was stated that the destructive steps of Russia and its occupation regimes directed to undermine the peace negotiations formats increase the risk of escalation of conflict amidst everyday provocations. In this context, emphasis was made on the need for effective use of the international negotiations formats, as well as the necessity of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which has been suspended since 2018, to be restored unconditionally, on the basis of the founding principles.
The discussions on promoting the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and gender perspective within the Geneva International Discussions were held in the both Working Groups. The EUMM presented the Gender Analysis of Ergneti IPRM 2016-2020. The Co-Chairs, as well as the US and Georgian participants emphasized the importance of increasing of meaningful engagement of women participants in the peace negotiations, as well as of adequately addressing the needs of conflict-affected and IDP women.
Core Agenda items like the non-use of force and international security arrangements were discussed within the negotiations. The Georgian delegation stated, that when Moscow continues to use force and threat of use of force against Georgia through illegal militarization of Georgia’s occupied territories, the importance of affirmation and implementation of the non-use of force commitment by the Russian federation is increasing. According to the Georgian participants, the ceasefire and non-use of force can only be guaranteed with the establishment of international security mechanisms in the occupied territories, which will create a significant basis for lasting peace and security. In this light, the Georgian delegation once again required unconditional withdrawal of the Russian occupation forces from Georgia’s territories and establishment of international security mechanisms on the ground, with full implementation of the provisions of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.
One of the most important items of the Agenda – the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, expelled from the occupied territories as a result of ethnic cleansing, was discussed at the negotiations. Despite the efforts of the Georgian delegation to discuss this humanitarian issue in a constructive manner, the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes once again tried to politicize the issue, and walked out of the negotiations during this discussion.
Prior to the Geneva International Discussions, in parallel to bilateral consultations with the Co-Chairs and the Co-Moderators, the information session on the topic “Comprehensive / Human Dimension of Security” was conducted, dedicated to the wide range of security and humanitarian issues and their interrelation.
The next round of the Geneva International Discussions will take place on 12-13 October 2021.
The Geneva International Discussions were launched on the basis of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. The discussions are held within the frames of two Working Groups, where participants are represented in their individual capacity. In the first Working Group talks are focused on security and stability in the occupied territories of Georgia, while in second Working Group – on humanitarian and human rights situation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, as well as on the issues related to safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees to the places of their origin. The discussions are held with Co-Chairmanship of the EU, UN and OSCE, and participation of Georgia, the Russian Federation and the USA. The Head of the Provisional Administration of the former South Ossetian Autonomous District and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the representatives of the Sokhumi and Tskhinvali occupation regimes also attend the Working Groups.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the 2021 NATO Brussels Summit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the NATO Summit conducted in Brussels on June 14, which resulted in the adoption of important decisions both in the context of Georgia's NATO integration, as well as NATO adaptation to new challenges.
It is important that the communiqué reiterates the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision that “Georgia will become a member of the Alliance” and that Georgia has all "practical tools to prepare for eventual membership."
We welcome the unequivocal and direct reiteration by the Allies that they support Georgia’s sovereign right to choose its foreign policy priorities and no third party can interfere in this process. It is noteworthy that Allies positively assess the progress made by aspirant Georgia in the implementation of reforms in different areas and emphasize Georgia's ability to make a significant contribution to the common Euro-Atlantic security.
It is of special importance for Georgia that the Allies give a proper assessment to Russia's destructive policy in the Black Sea region and express their readiness to further deepen cooperation with Georgia on Black Sea security.
Georgia greatly appreciates the firm, consistent and effective support of the Allies to the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-recognition policy. Allies adequately assessed Russian Federation’s attempts to “forcibly separate” the two occupied regions from the rest of Georgia. Allies especially underlined the frequent cases of “borderization”, arbitrary detentions and harassment of Georgian citizens. We welcome the Alliance’s call on the Russian Federation to comply with the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement.
Georgia also welcomes Allies' support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For Georgia, as a future member of the Alliance, the Summit decisions aimed at strengthening NATO and at addressing modern security challenges, are of special importance.
Georgia welcomes the Alliance's decision to update NATO strategic concept, which will be adopted at the NATO’s 2022 Summit. The new concept will be better suited for modern security challenges. It will reaffirm the Alliance's commitment to its core values and set out future directions of NATO's development. Georgia hopes that the issues related to Open Door policy will be adequately reflected in NATO’s new strategic concept and that the concept will take on board the recommendations related to the enlargement policy and Bucharest Summit decision contained in the document "NATO 2030-United for a New Era". Georgia hopes that a clear and concrete strategy of the Alliance on the Black Sea region will be a part of the new strategic concept of NATO.
The Allies paid particular attention to the issue of support towards the rule-based international order. It was underlined that Russia, through its illegal actions, constitutes a threat to such an order through undermining the security, stability and democratic values of Allied and partner nations. Importantly the issue of Georgia was discussed under this agenda item as well.
We welcome the Alliance's decisions to strengthen its deterrence and defense policy. Since 2014, NATO began to reinforce its south-eastern flank by increasing the readiness of the armed forces and deploying new battlegroups on its territory. It is in this context that NATO has been boosting its presence in the Black Sea region. It is noteworthy that at the Summit, the Allies agreed to improve NATO’s readiness, response and defense. The Georgian side welcomes this decision and hopes that NATO's engagement in the Black Sea region will further increase, which will be a significant deterrent factor and further strengthen security in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Member States paid particular attention to strengthening resilience, which is crucial to the Alliance's three core objectives - collective defense, crisis management and cooperative security. Taking into consideration that destructive actors often use conventional and hybrid warfare methods to destabilize Allied and partner nations, Georgia welcomes the strengthening of the Alliance's capabilities in this area and deepening of cooperation with non-member countries in this regard.
As an aspirant country Georgia especially values the transatlantic unity principle and the steps taken to strengthen this unity, which constituted one of the main objectives of the NATO 2021 Summit.
- Statement by the Permanent Representative of Georgia to the OSCE in response to the report of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
On 3 June 2021, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, Permanent Representative of Georgia to the OSCE delivered a statement at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in response to the report of Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.
Ketevan Tsikhelashvili reaffirmed Georgian Government’s determination to provide equal opportunities for every citizen, notwithstanding their ethnic, religious or other background, to fully engage them in all spheres of life, while making sure that their identity and rights are protected. She also informed the Council regarding the various projects implemented by the Government during the global pandemic that ensured access of the minority population to the necessary services and information.
The Georgian side expressed its gratitude to the OSCE High Commissioner and his staff for the long-term, fruitful and successful cooperation, including for their contribution in tailoring and implementing relevant state strategy and action plan in Georgia and assistance in the education sector.
The Ambassador draw attention of the Council to the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied regions of Georgia and stressed that population residing in Gali and Akhalgori districts as well as in Kodori are particularly vulnerable. She noted that the fundamental rights and freedoms of the local population are violated daily, this includes rights to education, freedom of movement and health, which is often followed by loss of lives. In this context, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili highlighted the recent tragic case, when local resident - Gocha Korsantia died on 2nd of June, due to injuries he sustained while attempting to cross the occupation line.
Ambassador Tsikhelashvili noted that despite the challenges induced by the occupation, the Georgian side still tries to render services to its compatriots residing on the other side of the occupation line, through the engagement policy and the peace plan – A step to a Better Future.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia regarding the so-called presidential elections held in Syria on May 26, 2021
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia refers to the so-called presidential elections in Syrian Arab Republic held on May 26, 2021 and states that it does not recognize the results of the illegitimate "elections" conducted by Assad’s criminal regime that completely contradicts the international standards for free and democratic elections and the UN Security Council Resolution №2254. Any elections, held in the Syrian Arab Republic without involvement of internally displaced persons, refugees, local civil society and Syrian opposition forces and conducted in disregard of fundamental principles of international law as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, is unlawful and has no legal effect. Moreover, it seriously hinders the conflict resolution process in Syria.
Against this backdrop, the arrival of representatives of the Russian occupation regime in Tskhinvali to Syrian Arab Republic to monitor the so-called presidential elections represents a naive attempt to legitimize one illegal regime by another one, which is completely beyond the scope of the rules-based international system and international law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia further refers to the recent so-called “official visit” of representatives of the Russian occupation regime in Sokhumi to Syrian Arab Republic, when so-called intergovernmental commission was formed, so-called agreements were concluded and "representation" of the so-called chamber of commerce and industry of the occupied Abkhazia region was established in Damascus. All the above-mentioned represents a futile attempt of the Russian Federation to imitate the so-called statehood of the occupied territories of Georgia, which serves the purpose of concealing the ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and ethnic cleansing carried out in these regions.
Obviously, the recognition of so-called independence of Georgia’s indivisible regions with blatant violation of the fundamental international principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity by the criminal regime, having committed the crimes against humanity and having used chemical weapons against its own population, cannot have any international legal effect. This is the more so as the European Court of Human Rights has recently ruled that the Russian Federation has been occupying and exercising effective control over Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.
It is noteworthy that the whole international community is consistently pursuing the policy of non-recognition of so-called independence of Georgia’s occupied territories, and the European states, the US and international organisations have strongly condemned the illegal decision of the Assad regime to establish diplomatic relations with the Russian occupation regimes in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali. Syrian opposition forces have clearly dissociated themselves from this illegitimate decision too, and made a number of condemning statements, expressing unequivocal support for Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia regarding the tragedy on Mount Meron, Israel
We are deeply saddened by the news following the terrible tragedy at the Lag Ba'omer celebration on Mount Meron which left 44 people dead and more than 150 injured.
We convey our heartfelt condolences to the Government of Israel and the families of victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 52nd Round of the Geneva International Discussions
The 52nd Round of the Geneva International Discussions was held on 26 March, 2021. The deteriorated security and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied territories on the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, intensification of the de-facto annexation process by the Russian Federation and the release of the illegally detained Georgian citizens were among the main topics of the discussions.
In the frames of the negotiations the Georgian delegation talked extensively about the historic Judgment of the European Court of Human rights, which creates a significant international legal instrument in the process of peaceful conflict resolution. Participants from Georgia underlined that the Court established the Russian Federation’s effective control over and occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia and hence ruled the Russian Federation’s responsibility for the human rights violations during the August 2008 War and the subsequent period of occupation. The Georgian delegation stated that the ECHR underlined the Russian Federation’s responsibility for ethnic cleansing of Georgian population and for hampering the implementation of the right of return of IDPs and refugees. The Georgian participants also pointed to those parts of the Judgment which highlight the non-compliance with the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement by the Russian Federation and its continuous large-scale military presence in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia in violation of the undertaken obligations.
Intensification of de-facto annexation process of Georgia’s occupied territories was raised sharply in light of the adoption of the “programme” for creation of a common social-economic space between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia region, as well as in the context of discussions by the President of Russia with the Sokhumi occupation regime about the creation of a “union state”. Georgian participants talked extensively about the intensified provocations carried out by the Russian federation on the background of COVID-19 pandemic, building a new Berlin wall in terms of erecting barbed-wire fences and other artificial barriers, as well as about the facts of illegal kidnappings and detentions of people living along the occupation line. The Georgian delegation demanded unconditional release of all the Georgian citizens being under the illegal detention in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali.
Significant attention was paid to the increased militarisation and regular military exercises in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia, continuation of the creeping occupation in the territory adjacent to the village Chorchana, as well as Russia’s intensified use of the hybrid war instruments, which serves for the destabilisation of the situation in the country.
An important part of the negotiations was dedicated to the grave humanitarian and social-economic consequences of the restriction of freedom of movement along the occupation line. Dire conditions of the residents of Gali and Akhalgori districts as well as of the Codori Gorge was stressed in this context. Fatal results entailed by hampering medical evacuations was emphasised and necessity of unimpeded access to healthcare services of people living in the occupied territories was underlined. Georgian participants raised the issue of restriction of freedom of movement of Tamar Mearakishvili, the activist from Akhalgori district, who had not been allowed to cross the occupation line and visit her family by Tskhinvali occupation regime for years.
The talks also focused on ethnic discrimination of Georgians remained in the occupied territories, grave consequence of the restriction of education in native language, as well as crucial importance of protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of local population. The Georgian delegation pointed to the increased attempts of russification and isolation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions from the rest of Georgia.
It was highlighted that the impunity in the cases of murder of David Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria and Archil Tatunashvili encouraged ethnically based violence and crime. The Georgian delegation once again raised the issue of the necessity for execution of justice in the mentioned cases.
The emphasis was made on the need for access of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM), as well as international human rights organisations in Georgia’s occupied territories. The necessity for ensuring unimpeded humanitarian support for the conflict-affected people during the COVID-19 pandemic was stressed, which in its turn represents one of the main obligations under the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.
Extensive talks were held on the efficient use of the negotiations formats, including the need for regular and proper functioning of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs). In this context the necessity of unconditional resumption of Gali IPRM and unhindered work of Ergmeti IPRM was underlined.
The necessity of adequately addressing problems and needs of conflict-affected and IDP women was highlighted in both working groups and the importance of amplification of “Women, Peace and Security” agenda in peace negotiations was underlined.
Active discussions were held on the major agenda items such as non-use of force and establishment of international security arrangements. The Georgian delegation underlined crucial importance of reiteration and implementation of the non-use of force obligation by Russia in light of Moscow’s continued use of force and threat of use of force against Georgia through its illegal military presence and regular military exercises in the occupied territories. The Georgian participants stressed that the only guarantee for the ceasefire and non-use of force was the deployment of international security mechanisms in the occupied territories, which would have been a milestone in the process of lasting peace and security on the ground. Georgian participants made emphasis on the issue of implementation of EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement by Russia, as well as demanded withdrawal of Russian occupation forces from the territory of Georgia and deployment of international security mechanisms on the ground.
Active exchange of views took place on one of the major agenda items like safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia. Despite the attempts of the Georgian delegation for non-politicised discussion of the issue the Russian Federation and the representatives of the occupation regimes once again tried to use this topic for political manipulations and left the negotiations table during the discussions on this agenda item.
The next round of the GID will be held on 29-30 June 2021.
Geneva International Discussions were launched on the basis of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. Discussions are held within the frames of two Working Groups, where participants are represented in their individual capacity. In the first Working Group talks are focused on security and stability in the occupied territories of Georgia, while in second Working Group – on humanitarian and human rights situation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, as well as on the issues related to safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees to the places of their origin. The discussions are held with Co-Chairmanship of the EU, UN and OSCE, and participation of Georgia, the Russian Federation and the USA. The Head of the Provisional Administration of the former South Ossetian Autonomous District and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the representatives of the Sokhumi and Tskhinvali occupation regimes also attend the Working Groups.
- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia regarding the seventh anniversary of annexation of Crimea
The illegal referendum conducted in Crimea seven years ago, on 16 March 2014, under the pressure of Russian armed forces led to the occupation and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the City of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation. These acts were committed in gross violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the 1975 Helsinki Act, as well as in complete disregard for the Constitution and legislation of Ukraine.
In its Resolution 68/262 adopted on 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and does not recognize the results of the so-called referendum.
The Russian Federation continues its aggressive and illegal actions in the eastern regions of Ukraine. The Crimean Peninsula and the City of Sevastopol remain annexed. There are reports of flagrant violations of human rights and freedoms, as well as of the norms of international humanitarian law. The Russian Federation is building its forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia strongly condemns the occupation and annexation of the Autonomic Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the attempt to forcefully change the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine – an experience our country has already come through. This practice of occupation and annexation poses a serious threat to international security, peace and stability. The firm and consolidated position by the international community is of utmost importance in order to resist the ongoing aggression against sovereign states and to ensure peace and stability through effective use of international mechanisms on the ground.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia reaffirms its firm and unswerving support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the decision of prolonging the illegal detention of Zaza Gakheladze for more than 12 years
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia is extremely concerned with the provocative decision of the Russian occupation regime in Tskhinvali to prolong the illegal detention of Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze for more than 12 years.
This illegal decision represents a true reflection of Russia’s destructive plans to create destabilization in Georgia, although Moscow continues making declarative statements about its desire to dialogue and cooperation.
It is particularly concerning that the decision on maintaining Zaza Gakheladze in illegal detention was taken amid the 21 January Judgement by the European Court of Human Rights, which unequivocally ruled that the Russian Federation is occupying Georgia’s indivisible regions and held Russia, as the power exercising effective control, responsible for grave human rights abuses on the ground. Such illegal actions, taken amid Russia’s intensified steps towards annexation, further aggravate the already difficult security and humanitarian situation on the ground, create a threat of escalation of tensions and deliberately hinder the efforts that have been made in the peace negotiations towards the conflict resolution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the Russian Federation to cease severe violations of human rights in the occupied territories, respect Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fulfil its international obligations, inter alia, the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and withdraw its forces from Georgia’s territory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia appeals to the international community to give a due assessment to yet another provocation by the Russian occupation regime and take effective measures to ensure immediate release of the illegally detained Georgian citizen.
Georgia will further utilize all diplomatic and legal instruments at its disposal and raise the issue at the highest level in all relevant international formats in order to stop illegal kidnappings of people along the occupation line and gross violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms. We will continue mobilizing the international community and spare no effort to ensure that the Georgian citizen returns to his family in a timely and safe manner.
- Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the Judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the August 2008 Russia-Georgia War
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia refers to the historic Judgement by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the case concerning the Russia-Georgia war, which legally established the responsibility of the Russian Federation for violations of the fundamental norms of international law and human rights during the August 2008 war and in the period of further occupation of Georgian territories by Russia.
The Judgment of the Strasbourg Court is an unprecedented international victory of the Georgian state and the first international legal assessment of Russia’s military aggression in 2008, which ruled that the Russian Federation has been responsible for the abuses committed during the August 2008 war as well as afterwards, in the period of the occupation. The European Court of Human Rights has unequivocally established the responsibility of the Russian Federation for the violations of the fundamental human rights such as: deprivation of the right to life; torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; ethnic cleansing; violation of the right to liberty and security; infringement of the rights to freedom of movement, the right to respect for private and family life and the property rights. The Strasbourg Court found the Russian Federation responsible for deliberate burning, looting and destroying of the Georgian villages, as well as violating the rights of hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees to return to their homes.
It is of utmost importance that the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Russian Federation has been illegally occupying and exercising effective control over Georgia’s indivisible regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and has been violating the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. It is noteworthy that the Strasbourg Court also confirmed the fact that the August 2008 war was waged between two states – the Russian Federation and Georgia, and Russia invaded into the territory of Georgia.
The decision of the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed the strong stance of international law and the international community in support to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
The Judgment of the Strasbourg Court provides the crucial international legal basis for success of further efforts by Georgia and the international community aimed at protecting the rights of people affected by the Russia-Georgia conflict. This decision underscores the importance of the just and peaceful struggle of Georgia on its way to strengthening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Georgia will continue further pursuit of the policy of peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, utilising all available diplomatic and legal instruments in an effort for de-occupation of Georgia's indivisible regions, reconciliation and confidence-building between the war-torn communities, and unification and peaceful development of our country.