Georgia’s International Partners React to the Anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 War
Below are international statements on the 15th anniversary of the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008:
August 7:
President of the European Council, Charles Michel: “It’s been 15 years since Russia’s invasion of Georgia. 15 years later, the EU’s support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty remains steadfast. We stand with the courageous people of Georgia who have chosen a pro-EU and pro-NATO path”.
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola: “15 years ago, Russia invaded Georgia – a vicious tactic of aggression and occupation. The Kremlin did not want to let Georgians decide on their own future. European Parliament will continue to support territorial integrity, sovereignty and European aspirations of the people of Georgia”.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić: “On the 15th anniversary of the August 2008 armed conflict between Georgia and Russia, the Council of Europe reaffirms its unequivocal support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. It firmly rejects Russia’s recognition of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, as well as its military presence in the region, in blatant violation of fundamental principles and norms of international law”.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi: “15 years! In Aug 2008 Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali regions were occupied. Ever since Georgia lives under the threat of heavy Russian military presence in the occupied regions. We stand by the independency and territorial integrity of Georgia and call upon Russia to meet its international obligations”.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell: “Today marks 15 years since the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. The European Union’s commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia is as strong as ever. We condemn Russia’s continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of international law and commitments undertaken by Russia under the 12 August 2008 agreement, mediated by the European Union. Local communities continue to suffer from humanitarian challenges and human rights violations, including through restrictions to the freedom of movement and illegal detentions. Obstacles for internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their place of origin, are persisting”.
EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano: “Georgia: On 15th anniversary of Russia’s war against Georgia, EU condemns continued Russia’s military presence in separatist Abkhazia and South Ossetia and related violations of international law and of Russia’s own commitments from 2008 agreement”.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “On the 15th anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s armed aggression against Georgia, we express our solidarity with the Georgian people and our resolute support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country. It is only the complete de-occupation of Ukrainian and Georgian lands, punishment of Russian invaders and compensation for the damage they have caused that will bring peace and stability to Europe and the world”.
Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas: “15 years ago today, Russia started its aggression against Georgia. 20% of Georgian territory remains occupied. Atrocities and violation of international law continue. We must end Russia’s cycle of aggression. Estonia continues to support Georgia’s territorial integrity”.
President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda: “Lithuania condemns Russia’s occupation of Georgia’s territory 15 years ago. We have always supported Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Today, Ukraine is defending its freedom from the same aggressor. We call on Russia to withdraw its forces from territories of Georgia and Ukraine”.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė: “15 years ago Russia invaded Georgia and got away with it. Ever more brutal acts of Russian aggression followed. Lithuania’s support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering. So is our certitude that the only way towards secure Europe is through Ukraine’s victory and a tribunal for the aggressors”.
United States Senator, James Risch: “15 years ago, Russia illegally invaded, occupied, and committed human rights abuses in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia. Russia continues to spread misinformation and displace thousands of innocent Georgians. Russia must be held accountable for its crimes and return Georgia’s sovereign territory”.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken: “Today marks fifteen years since Russia invaded Georgia and occupied 20% of its land. Russia still refuses to abide by its 2008 ceasefire commitments. The United States strongly supports Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations”.
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna: “15 years ago on August 7, Russia attacked the Georgia , and 15 years later it remains present on part of the territory of this country”.
Foreign Minister of Finland, Elina Valtonen: “On the 15th anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Georgia, I reaffirm Finland’s strong support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to respect international law and fulfill its commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement”.
Foreign Ministry of Estonia: “Today marks the 15th anniversary of Russia’s illegal aggression against Georgia. Estonia strongly condemns the Russian occupation of 20% of Georgia’s territory and ongoing military build-up at its border-lines. We continue to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration”.
Foreign Ministry of Latvia: “Latvia condemns Russia’s blatant violation of international law by attacking Georgia 15 years ago. We strongly support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and its path to Euro-Atlantic integration”.
Foreign Ministry of Ukraine: “15 years ago Russia invaded Georgia. Georgian regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, remain occupied by Russian troops. Ukraine stands with Georgian people and reiterates its support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders”.
Foreign Ministry of Romania: “15 years since Russian military invasion in Georgia stand as a tragic reminder of the long history of Russia’s aggressive behavior in our Eastern Neighborhood. As a Strategic Partner, Romania continues to firmly support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Foreign Ministry of Belgium: “On the 15th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia conflict, Belgium reiterates its firm support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Belgium remains committed to backing the Geneva International Discussions and all efforts for conflict resolution in Georgia”.
Foreign Ministry of Croatia: “On the 15th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia, Croatia reiterates its support to Georgia sovereignty and territorial integrity. Croatia actively contributes to security in Georgia through participation in EUMM, and calls for constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution”.
Foreign Ministry of Austria: “Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia. Austria reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s continued illegal military presence and expresses its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia”.
Foreign Ministry of Slovenia: “On the 15th anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Georgia, we reiterate our support to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We call upon Russia to fulfil its international obligations”.
Foreign Ministry of Denmark: “15 years ago Russian troops invaded Georgia marking new phase of aggression against neighbouring countries. Denmark condemns Russia’s illegal military presence in the Georgian territories Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. We firmly support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Foreign Ministry of Moldova: “On the 15th anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Georgia, we stand in solidarity with the Georgian people. Moldova once again condemns Russia’s military invasion and reaffirms its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its international recognized borders”.
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Today marks 15 years of conflict between Russia and Georgia. To this day, the regions of Abkhazia and South-Ossetia remain illegally occupied by Russian forces. Netherlands continues to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders”.
U.S. Mission to OSCE: “15 years ago Russia invaded Georgia. For decades, the citizens of Georgia in Abkhazia and South Ossetia live under Russian occupation and many have been displaced and persecuted. Russia’s 2008 attack is a somber reminder of those who continue to suffer in the wake of Russia’s invasions of Georgia and Ukraine”.
Embassy of the United States in Georgia: “Today, the 15th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Georgia is twice as heavy. We will honor the memory of the dead and remember the heroes whose names give strength to the Georgian people. Today, the flag of the United States will fly at half-staff in mourning for the victims of the Shovi tragedy”.
Embassy of Poland in Georgia: “On the 15th anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Georgia, we express our solidarity with the people, support territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, and condemn the annexation of the separatist regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali”.
German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer: “On anniversary of Russia-Georgia War: We commemorate the victims. Germany supports Georgia’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity in its international recognized borders. Unilateral recognition of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South is unacceptable. Urge Russia to meet its legal obligations”.
August 8:
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Georgia: “15 years have passed since the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. We remember the lives lost, the families and communities divided, and the continued pressure of Russian aggression on Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UK strongly supports Georgia”.
EUMM Head of Mission: “On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the war between Russia and Georgia, the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia wishes to pay tribute to all those who were affected by the war. We remember the lives lost and the hardships endured by civilians, and our thoughts are with the families who continue to bear the pain of their loss”.
The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk: “15 years ago, Russia launched an armed aggression against Georgia and the Georgian people. 15 years ago, the Russian federation demonstrated its aggressive imperial ambitions. If the world had acted more decisively and tougher 15 years ago, Russia would hardly have dared to encroach on independent territories that do not belong to it. Today, Ukraine is fighting for its future against someone who has always tried to destroy it. Only through joint efforts — resolute and coordinated — we can defeat the aggressor and establish peace in Europe”.
Foreign Ministry of Norway: “15 years have passed since Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia – a watershed moment for European security. To this day, we see continuation of Russia’s aggressive policy in Ukraine and Georgia. Norway condemns ongoing Russian occupation and human rights violations”.
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