Prepared by Messenger Staff
Council of Europe Group Accuses Russia of Deepening Control Over South Ossetia
A Council of Europe political group has accused Russia of stepping up efforts to bring Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region under its control.
The Socialists, Democrats and Greens (SOC) group said Russia's actions amounted to a de facto annexation and violated international law as well as Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The Russian Federation has intensified its efforts towards the de facto annexation of South Ossetia," the group said in a statement.
It said the policy was part of a broader Russian effort to establish control over territories in neighboring countries, citing Donbas and Crimea in Ukraine, Transnistria in Moldova and Abkhazia in Georgia.
The group said respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states was necessary for long-term security in the Caucasus and Europe.
"Lasting stability and security in the Caucasus and across Europe can only be achieved through full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every state," it said.
Shoigu Accuses West of Interfering in Armenia and Georgia
Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu accused Western countries of interfering in the political affairs of Armenia and Georgia.
"Westerners are attempting to interfere openly and brazenly in the political situation. In the South Caucasus, we can see this happening not only in Armenia but also in Georgia," Shoigu said.
He said countries should consider who benefits when disputes emerge between neighboring states.
"There are no unresolved disputes between states, and when a disagreement arises, one must immediately assess who benefits from confrontation between neighboring peoples and states," he said.
Shoigu accused Western countries of seeking influence over the region's economy and infrastructure.
"As a rule, Westerners are behind this; they are interested in maintaining their control over profitable economic sectors, transport and logistics corridors, and resources," he said.
Russian media reported that Shoigu also referred to remarks by Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who said escalation with Russia could benefit Germany or Lithuania but not Georgia.
Shoigu described Papuashvili's position as "clearly and sensibly" stated.
