Council of Europe reaffirms support for Georgia’s territorial integrity, calls for Russian troop withdrawal from Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Thursday examined the execution of judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights in the inter-State cases of Georgia v. Russia.

At Georgia’s initiative and with its active involvement, the Committee once again reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

It also called on the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations by withdrawing its military forces from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, ending the so-called borderisation process, and ensuring the free and safe movement of residents, access to property, and the right to receive education in the Georgian language in the occupied territories.

The Committee further urged Russia to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their homes and to end the practice of killings, abductions, torture, unlawful detentions and other serious human rights violations.

Georgia has already secured landmark victories against Russia in Strasbourg, including in cases concerning the so-called deportees, the August 2008 war and the continued occupation of its territories.

“The Georgian government is actively working to ensure, through all available legal and diplomatic mechanisms, the full implementation of the Strasbourg Court’s judgments and the restoration of justice for those affected”, the Justice Ministry said.