International community has welcomed the release of Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili from Tskhinvali custody.
The United States Embassy to Georgia said they join all Georgians and the international community in welcoming Gaprindashvili home “to spend the holidays with his family.”
Noting that the U.S. “maintains its unwavering commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Embassy called on Moscow-backed Tskhinvali authorities to open crossing points along the occupation line and to allow freedom of movement for the local population and humanitarian access.
- U.S. Embassy Calls on Occupied Tskhinvali, Russia to ‘Immediately Release Doctor Gaprindashvili’
- EU Calls on Tskhinvali to ‘Immediately Release’ Georgian Doctor Gaprindashvili
The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell also “very much” welcomed release of doctor Gaprindashvili “in time for the New Year.” At the same time, he recalled “the importance of taking immediate steps to reopen the crossing points” as well.
I very much welcome today’s release of Dr. Gaprindashvili, back to his family in time for the New Year. Let me at the same time recall the importance of taking immediate steps to reopen the crossing points.
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) December 28, 2019
The OSCE Secretary General, Thomas Greminger also wrote on Twitter that “further detentions should be avoided and freedom of movement guaranteed for all people, at all times.”
Foriegn Minister of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs also welcomed and applauded the news on Gaprindashvili’s release.
Read also:
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)