EU Reaffirms Support for Georgia on 16th Anniversary of 2008 War
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
On the 16th anniversary of the August 2008 Russian aggression against Georgia, Joseph Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the European Commission, reaffirmed the EU's strong commitment to peace in Georgia. In his statement, Borrell emphasized the EU's unwavering support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
"On August 7, it will be 16 years since the beginning of the war between Russia and Georgia in August 2008. The EU's commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia remains unwavering," Borrell stated.
Borrell condemned the ongoing presence of Russian military forces in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it a violation of international law and Russia's obligations under the six-point agreement reached on August 12, 2008.
"We condemn the continued presence of Russian military forces in the occupied self-proclaimed regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which violates international law and contradicts Russia's obligations under the six-point agreement reached on August 12, 2008," he said.
He expressed concern about human rights violations in these areas, including the "borderization" policy, the closure of crossing points, and illegal detentions by Russian forces and local authorities. Borrell stressed the need to lift restrictions on freedom of movement, investigate human rights abuses, and ensure justice for all victims. "Human rights violations of the conflict-affected population in Georgia continue, including as a result of the 'borderization' policy, the closure of crossing points, and illegal detentions by the Russian military and de facto authorities. Restrictions on freedom of movement must end, investigations into human rights violations must be carried out, and justice must be ensured for all victims," Borrell stated.
The EU continues to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict through its involvement in the Geneva International Discussions, the activities of the EU Special Representative for the Crisis in the South Caucasus and Georgia, and the efforts of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia. Borrell called on all participants in the Geneva talks to engage constructively to fully implement the six-point agreement. "We remain fully committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, including through the EU's involvement in the Geneva International Discussions (GID) as co-chair, the activities of the EU Special Representative for the Crisis in the South Caucasus and Georgia, and the continuous work on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia," he said.
Borrell reiterated the EU's firm support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. "The European Union continues to firmly support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia within the country's internationally recognized borders," he affirmed. His statement serves as a reminder of the EU's dedication to peace and stability in the region, 16 years after the conflict began.
