EU Calls for Proper Investigation into Murder Cases of Two Georgians
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, September 14
European Union Delegation to the Council of Europe released a statement, calling for a proper investigation into the tragic death of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili, killed in Georgia’s occupied region of South Ossetia in February 2018 and for justice to be applied following the case of Giga Otkhozoria killed in May 2016 near breakaway Abkhazia.
“The EU expresses its deep concern about the state of play in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and for the continued deterioration of the human rights situation there… Impunity is a matter of deep concern,” the statement reads.
In addition, the EU also reiterates its deep concern about the continuing Russian illegal military presence, increased military exercises and infrastructure reinforcements in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and an intensification of the so-called borderzation process along the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABLs) and other numerous violations, including gross violations of rights related to freedom of movement, residence and to property, as well as the restriction of education in one’s native language.
According to the statement, Russia’s recognition of the ‘independence’ of occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia and its aforementioned continued actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors and for the rules-based international system.
“The EU condemns the so-called treaties and deriving agreements, such as the one incorporating military formations of Georgia’s South Ossetia region into armed forces of the Russian Federation,” the statement reads.
Moreover, the EU calls on the Russian Federation to fully implement the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, mediated by the European Union and to provide the EU Monitoring Mission with access to the regions.
“The EU reconfirms its commitment to remain engaged and involved in stabilization and conflict resolution efforts in Georgia. The EU strongly supports all ongoing and planned confidence-building activities of the CoE, which are complementary to the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions,” the statement reads.
The European Union says they will continue to support a wide range of humanitarian aid and human rights protection, development and other co-operation actions in the Georgian region of Abkhazia, in partnership also with international and local NGOs.
According to the statement, Georgia has strengthened its institutions and undertaken reforms with a view of strengthening its democratic stability. The EU welcomes the package of proposals - A Step to a Better Future initiated by the Georgian government that can benefit the citizens living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines by facilitating trade, education, and mobility.
The EU regrets the continued refusal by Russia and participants from breakaway Tskhinvali and Sukhumi to engage in the topic of refugees and displaced persons in the Geneva International Discussions (GID). The EU recalls that this topic is at the core of the mandate of the GID.
Russia occupied Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after August 2008 Georgia-Russia war and recognized their independence. In addition to Russia, Syria, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Venezuela also recognize de facto Abkhazia and S. Ossetia as ‘independent’ countries.
The rest of the international community says these regions are integral parts of Georgia and call on the Russian Federation to reverse the recognition of the territories and withdraw its forces to pre-war positions.
