Russia’s ongoing occupation undermines reconciliation efforts, says Georgian State Minister’s Office

Georgia’s State Minister’s Office for Reconciliation and Civic Equality on Saturday issued a statement marking the 18th anniversary of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to addressing the consequences of the conflict and pursuing a peaceful resolution.

In a statement, the Office said that 18 years ago, as a result of what it described as large-scale military aggression against Georgia, the Russian Federation illegally occupied the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, which it called integral parts of Georgia’s territory, in violation of fundamental principles of international law.

The office paid tribute to the memory of military personnel and civilians who lost their lives while defending Georgia’s territorial integrity during the 2008 war and expressed condolences to their families, relatives and the Georgian people.

According to the statement, Russia continues to violate its international obligations by maintaining the occupation of Georgia’s regions, strengthening its control on the ground and expanding military, political and socio-economic integration processes in the occupied territories.

The Office argued that such actions undermine efforts aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening ties and advancing reconciliation between communities living on both sides of the dividing lines.

The statement also highlighted what it described as ongoing violations of the fundamental rights of local residents, including ethnic discrimination, restrictions on freedom of movement, limitations on education in the native language, and obstacles to accessing property and livelihoods. It noted that hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons remain unable to return safely and with dignity to their homes.

The Office further stated that those responsible for the deaths of Georgian citizens David Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria, Archil Tatunashvili, Irakli Kvaratskhelia and Tamaz Ginturi have not been held accountable. It also noted that the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) continues to be denied access to Georgia’s occupied regions, preventing it from fully implementing its mandate.

Referring to rulings by international courts, the statement said Russia bears full responsibility for the situation and for unlawful actions carried out in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

The statement said the Georgian Government continues to use all available mechanisms to address the consequences of the occupation while consistently pursuing a policy of peaceful conflict resolution. Alongside efforts aimed at de-occupation, the policy seeks to promote dialogue, cooperation and confidence-building among communities divided by the conflict, while supporting conflict-affected populations and creating better prospects for their future.

The State Minister’s Office also expressed appreciation for the international community’s continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as for the role of international partners in advancing peaceful conflict resolution, reconciliation and trust-building efforts.