Georgian MFA Slams Russia for ‘Supporting Separatists’

The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on September 22, in which it expressed protest against a military parade which took place in breakaway South Ossetia’s capital, Tskhinvali, on September 20, marking the unrecognized republic?s independence day. The Georgian Foreign Ministry blamed Russia for obvious support to the South Ossetian de facto authorities and for an attempt to infringe upon Georgia?s sovereignty.

According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, the military parade in Tskhinvali was a violation of all agreements which have been signed since 1992.

The Georgian television stations broadcasted footage of the military parade, showing tanks and armored vehicles marching on Tskhinvali?s main avenue.

?This demonstration of armaments and hardware on the uncontrolled territory obviously contradicts the key provisions and principles of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe [which defines the amount of permitted armaments allowed on this or that territory],? the statement reads.

The military parade in Tskhinvali was attended by delegations from breakaway Abkhazia, led by Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh, as well as by officials from Transdnestria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Russian parliamentarians, as well as President of Russia?s Karachaevo-Cherkessia, Mustafa Batdyev, were also among the invited guest.

?While the Russian Federation plays a role as a key mediator and guarantor of fulfilling the agreements, the appearance of Russian representatives together with the South Ossetian de facto authorities, proves their obvious support for the separatist authorities,? the statement reads.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry claims that by such actions by the Russian Federation violates the universally recognized principles and norms of international law and infringes on Georgia?s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry also slammed the Russian peacekeeping troops for their inaction. ?Instead of eradicating the movement of military hardware, the peacekeepers are involved in accompanying ‘the guests’, invited to Tskhinvali celebrations.

?The Georgian side has stated numerous times that the presence of uncontrolled militias is the main reason for provocations in the conflict zone and it is necessary to strengthen international control in this direction. As for the recent incidents in the Tskhinvali region, the Georgian side insists on an objective investigation.?

The Georgian Foreign Ministry categorically demands that the Russian side prevent the mentioned destructive actions in the Tskhinvali region and suspend the delivery of arms to the separatist authorities.

The Georgian side also requests that the world community appropriately assess Russia?s attempts to infringe on Georgia?s sovereign rights, interfere in its domestic affairs and not respect its territorial integrity.