Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Responds to Medvedev's Threat about Abkhazia and 'South Ossetia'
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, August 24, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has issued a written response to Dmitry Medvedev's threat. In an article published in the Russian publication 'Argumenti i Fakti,' the former President of Russia and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, stated that in the event of unfavorable developments for Russia, the country would incorporate two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and 'South Ossetia.' "The idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and it is quite possible to realize it if there were valid reasons for this," Medvedev said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs views Medvedev's threat as an extension of the Russian Federation's policy of occupying Georgian territories and as yet another attempt to infringe upon Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We urge the Russian Federation to uphold the fundamental principles and norms of international law and to fulfill the cease-fire agreement of August 12, 2008. Georgia remains steadfast in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict, thereby ensuring the de-occupation of its territories and fostering reconciliation for harmonious coexistence among the populations divided by the war," the Department of Foreign Affairs' statement reads.
In response to Dmitry Medvedev, Mikheil Sarjveladze, a member of the parliament from the 'Georgian Dream' party, representing the government's stance, has affirmed that Georgia will continue to adhere to its policy of peaceful de-occupation.
"This statement is categorically unacceptable, coming from a representative of a state that has occupied Georgian territories. Meanwhile, we are well aware of the current situation, context, and Georgia's chosen stance.
Georgia will never, under any circumstances, come to terms with the occupation of these territories, and our resolve to fight for de-occupation will remain unwavering. In response, our commitment will only strengthen, intensifying the pursuit of our declared policy, which centers around the use of peaceful methods to restore Georgia's territorial integrity," stated Sarjveladze.
