Statement by Bureau of the South Caucasus Delegation of the European Parliament

DELEGATION TO THE PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION COMMITTEES
EU-ARMENIA, EU-AZERBAIJAN AND EU-GEORGIA
– The Bureau –

STATEMENT
by Mrs Marie Anne ISLER BÉGUIN, Chair
Mr Vytautas LANDSBERGIS, 1st Vice-Chairman
Mr Árpád DUKA-ZOLYOMI, 2nd Vice-Chairman
 

On Russia’s policies versus Georgia

Brussels, 17 April 2008. The European Parliament Delegation to the Parliamentary Cooperation Committees EU-Armenia, EU-Azerbaijan and EU-Georgia expresses its deep concern regarding the recent decision of the Russian Federation to establish legal links with the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These steps undermine the principle of territorial integrity of Georgia, as stipulated by all relevant UN resolutions and question Russia’s role of the impartial moderator in the peace process.

We are convinced that such steps will only increase tensions in the region and we hope that Georgia remains stable despite any provocation, as well as the UN becomes aware of negative consequences of Russian military presence there. We believe this type of conflict must be resolved through dialogue and consensus among the disputing parties. We regret incumbent Russian president Vladimir Putin’s step to make the legacy left for his successor President elect Dimitri Medvedev even more difficult.

The Delegation reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and supports the new proposals of the President of Georgia aiming at facilitating the peaceful resolution of the conflicts on the territory of Georgia and calls on the international community and the European Union to strengthen their commitment to contribute to the resolution of unresolved conflicts.