The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on Thursday emphasized the “unwavering support” of the international community and partners for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in its statement on the 16th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering and unconditional support of the international community in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict,” the statement said.
The Ministry reiterated Georgia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, urging Russia to honor its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008. The Ministry called on Russia to respect Georgia’s sovereignty, withdraw its forces from occupied territories, cease human rights violations in these regions, and allow the return of displaced persons and refugees.
The August 2008 War resulted in the deaths of 228 Georgian civilians, 14 police officers, and 169 servicemembers, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, 1,747 people were wounded during the conflict. Nearly 150,000 people were displaced, with 30,000 still unable to return to their homes.
As a consequence of the war, Georgia lost control over 189 villages, 125 of which remain under Russian occupation.
Following the war, Russia recognized the independence of Georgia’s two occupied regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali Region).
This recognition was subsequently followed by Nicaragua in September 2008, Venezuela and Nauru in 2009, and Syria in 2018. The recognition of these regions as independent republics by Vanuatu and Tuvalu was later revoked.
