International Remarks on Russo-Georgian August War Anniversary

Below are international remarks on the 12th anniversary of the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008:

Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for the External Action Service of the European Union said “EU reaffirms its clear position on independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia,” adding that 12 years after the Russo-Georgian conflict the 27-member bloc “remains committed to stabilization and peaceful conflict resolution.”

In his video address,  Philip Reeker, acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs said: “In the past year, Russian-led military forces have advanced hundreds of meters further into Georgia. This incursion reminds us we cannot be complicit about this conflict. Even during the COVID19 pandemic, Russia is still willing to endanger the safety of civilians in the region and around the world.”

Reeker stated that “groundless Russian disinformation, including an aggressive campaign to discredit the lifesaving Lugar Center, demonstrates the Kremlin’s cynicism.”

Reaffirming support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius said: “regrettably the lessons have not been learnt as the aggression against Ukraine followed.”

The Slovenian Foreign Ministry also took on Twitter to note that it “continues to be strong in its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and for peaceful resolution of the conflict between Georgia and Russia.”

Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said the “ongoing presence of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the prevention of the EU Monitoring Mission from entering these Georgian territories is a violation of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 that was mediated by the European Union.”

Romanian Foreign Ministry tweeted that it “reaffirms its full support for the sovereignty & territorial integrity of Georgia

The U.S. Mission to the OSCE tweeted that “we once again call on Russia to end its occupation and fulfill its obligations and commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions.”

Viola von Cramon, Member of the European Parliament, also tweeted about the anniversary of Russian “invasion and annexation” of Georgia. She stated that “the war itself did not start in 2008 and did not end with it either. The 2008 events were preceded by Russia’s decades-long aggression & were continued with creeping occupation and abduction of Georgian citizens.”

“Russia still has not fulfilled the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. For this, she must be held accountable,” added the MEP.

U.S. Congressman John Katko (R-NY) wrote that “the […] annexation and continued occupation of Georgian territory is a stark reminder of the need for partnerships with our democratic allies abroad, many of whom depend on US assistance in combating hostile nations.”

“As we reaffirm our commitment to Georgia, we should also focus on preventing similar attacks by helping bolster our allies’ preparedness,” noted the Congressman.

Canadian Embassy in Turkey also tweeted that it “condemns the ongoing occupation by Russia of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and stands with Georgia in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “The impact of the conflict continues for many on the 12th anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Georgia in 2008 that killed and displaced thousands,” it highlighted. 

“Marking 12 years since the illegal Russian occupation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Russian continued military and cyber aggression leading to local misery and continued international destabilization,” tweeted Jonathan Djanogly, a conservative member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson stated that “Irish-Georgian parliamentary friendship group supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the 12th anniversary of the war.” He tweeted that “Abkhazia and South Ossetia belongs to Georgia under international law. A peaceful resolution of the conflict is crucial.”

More to follow

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