US expresses concern over illegal borderisation process in Georgia
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, August 23
The United States Department of State has expressed concern over the illegal borderisation in the vicinity of the village of Gugutiantkari, in Gori Municipality, close to Russian-occupied South Ossetia region, Georgia and called for the “immediate halt” of the process.
The statement was made by Morgan Ortagus, the State Department spokesperson late on Wednesday. According to her, the process of borderisation indiscriminately and disproportionately affects civilians living in the area, separating them from their farmlands, family, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
“The United States is troubled by reports that Russian-backed de facto authorities have resumed the installation of fencing on Georgian territory near the administrative boundary line of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia,” she said.
Morgan Ortagus added the US calls for the immediate halt of construction of new fencing and other barriers.
“Once again, we call on Russia to suspend its illegal occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territory; to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, and to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with its clear obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement,“ she stressed.
The European Union Delegation to Georgia in agreement with EU Heads of Mission in Georgia also released a statement on borderisation activities in the area of Gugutiantkari village.
The statement reads that the erection of fences by de-facto authorities of South Ossetia backed by Russian border guards in the vicinity of Gugutiantkari village hinders freedom of movement and will deprive people of the local area of accessing orchards and water resources.
“It is crucial that this work is stopped and that all relevant actors make active use of the existing mechanisms for communication - the Hotline and the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism format,” the statement reads, adding the European Union will continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
EU-Commissioner for European Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn has also shared the concern regarding the recent developments.
“Georgia is a key partner for the EU and we support its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
Moreover, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said borderisation close to occupied Tskhinvali region "must stop immediately.”
“The erection of fences hinder the freedom of movement of the local population and will deprive them of access to orchards and water resources, which are key to their livelihoods,” she told the Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani.
Russian occupation forces started construction of new wire fences in the village of Gugutiantkari of the Gori Municipality on the 11th anniversary of the Georgia-Russia war on August 7.
Official Tbilisi has condemned borderisation calling on the international community for support. Georgia’s partner states and friend politicians also made supportive statements, calling on Russia to stop illegal activities.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said on August 21 that the Russian occupation is “the most harmful challenge” for Georgia, therefore, this issue should unite every Georgian citizen, despite their political preferences.
“We are using all the international platforms in order to protect our national interests…We should have a principled position and unanimity and stand together with the international community,” Bakhtadze said.
