13.04.2018, Vienna – In his statement made in response to Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister David Dondua’s remarks at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on 12 April 2018, the EU reiterated its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders as well as its policy of non-recognition and engagement.
The EU welcomed the package of proposals adopted by the Government of Georgia that can benefit the citizens living on both sides of the dividing line.
According to the EU Representative, Russia continues to violate Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity through its military, security related presence and infrastructure reinforcements in the Georgian breakaway regions. In its statement, the European Union calls on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008.
The EU statement highlights that the Geneva International Discussions and fully functioning Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) provide a forum for dialogue and are vitally important to address and resolve the challenges stemming from the conflict in Georgia.
According to the EU Representative, the human rights situation in the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia continues to be troubling. Freedom of movement, the right to education and property rights are areas of particular concern. The European Union regrets that once again the Russian, Abkhaz and South Ossetian participants walked out from the discussions under the agenda item dedicated to IDPs and refugees’ issues.
The EU condemned the violent death of Georgian citizen Mr Tatunashvili and in this context called for a thorough investigation into the fatal cases of Basharuli and Otkhozoria.
The European Union also calls for access to the breakaway regions for the EUMM, as per its mandate, as well as for humanitarian organizations.
