Georgia marks 12 years after 2008 Russia-Georgia war
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Monday, August 10
12 years have passed after the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, which has resulted in Georgia losing control to over 20 percent of its internationally recognized territories. Many international supporters of Georgia, including representatives of the US executive and legislative branches, research centers and academia have made statements in support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the August 2008 war and Russian military intervention in Georgia.
“We cannot be complacent about this conflict,” said Philip Reeker, the acting secretary of state. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia is ready to threaten the security of civilians in the region and around the world. Russia's baseless misinformation, including an aggressive campaign to discredit the vital Lugar Center, exposes Russia's cynicism. We urge Russia to withdraw its troops and finally fulfill the promises it made under the 2008 ceasefire agreement,” noted Reeker in a video address.
The Embassy of the United States also issued a special statement, which talks about the negative impact that the conflict that happened 12 years ago has on the daily lives of the civilians living near-the-border regions.
In addition to talking about the humanitarian situation in the regions, the statement also calls on Russia to withdraw its troops and place it to the pre-conflict position and make it possible for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the regions.
The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia also issued a special statement regarding the conflict and once again showed their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. As the statement reads, the tensions have remained high over the recent month between the states and the violation of international law and commitments undertaken under the 12 August 2008 agreement are still not fulfilled by the Russian side.
“Fundamental human rights of the conflict-affected population continue to be violated, including through restrictions on the freedom of movement by so-called ‘borderisation’ policies, temporary closures of controlled crossing points and illegal detentions,” reads the statement.
As the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Carl Hartzell wrote on Twitter, The EU?s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia remains as strong as ever.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia also made comments regarding the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. Giorgi Gakharia addressed the public at the handover ceremony for 251 IDP families and personally handed over the keys to the new apartment to several IDP families.
Giorgi Gakharia emphasized the need to stand together and named de-occupation as the main goal.
On August 7th, 12 years have passed since the Russo-Georgian war that happened between Georgia and Russian-backed self-proclaimed regions of Georgia. The war took place in August 2008, following a period of worsening relations between Russia and Georgia.
However, the conflict did not end there, since then, the Russian-backed armies are continuing the so-called Borderisation, creeping occupation.
