Georgia Calls on Russia to End Occupation, Halt Steps Towards De Facto Annexation of Its Territories

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday called on Russia to end what it described as the illegal occupation of Georgian territories and halt steps towards their de facto annexation, marking 18 years since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

In a statement, the ministry said Russia had occupied Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, also known as South Ossetia, in violation of fundamental principles of international law and subsequently recognised them as independent states.

“Even today, on the 18th anniversary of the occupation, Russia continues to fail to comply with the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008,” the ministry said.

It accused Moscow of expanding its control over the two regions, continuing their militarisation and taking steps towards what Tbilisi describes as their de facto annexation.

The ministry said human rights violations, ethnic discrimination against Georgians and the isolation of communities in the occupied regions were worsening the security and humanitarian situation. It also said restrictions on access for international organisations made it more difficult to independently assess conditions on the ground and ensure effective human rights protection.

Georgia remains committed to resolving the conflict peacefully and will continue using diplomatic and legal mechanisms in cooperation with international partners, the statement said.

The ministry highlighted the Geneva International Discussions as the main international format for addressing security, humanitarian and human rights issues stemming from the Russia-Georgia conflict.

Tbilisi said its priorities in the talks included Russia’s implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreement, the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and the full operation of international security mechanisms on the ground. It also called for the unconditional restoration of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism in Gali.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Russian Federation to end the illegal occupation of Georgian territories and actions aimed at their de facto annexation, fully comply with its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, withdraw its military forces from Georgian territory and ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes,” the statement said.

The ministry said Georgia’s objective of peace and national unity remained unchanged 18 years after the war and pledged to continue pursuing the peaceful restoration of the country’s territorial integrity in accordance with international law.

It also paid tribute to Georgian servicemen and civilians killed during the August 2008 war.