Georgian foreign office calls on Russia to revoke illegal decision recognising so-called independence of Georgia’s occupied regions, to uphold 2008 ceasefire agreement

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday issued a statement on the 17th anniversary of Russia’s military aggression against Georgia in August 2008, stressing that 17 years after the August 2008 war, Moscow continued to ignore its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement and refused to withdraw its occupation forces from Georgian territory.

“17 years have passed since Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Georgia in August 2008, which resulted in the occupation of Georgia’s indivisible regions - Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. After 17 years Russia still refuses to implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and withdraw its occupation forces from the territory of Georgia; it continues to take steps aimed at integrating Georgia’s regions into Russia’s political, economic, military and social systems in violation of international norms. Particularly alarming are the numerous illegal actions recently carried out for this purpose”, the statement said.

“At the same time, Russia impedes the access of international organizations on the ground and the functioning of international security mechanisms and prevents the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes”, the Ministry continued.

The statement further added that through these actions, Russia was violating fundamental norms of international law, as confirmed by numerous rulings delivered by the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights between 2021 and 2024.

“Georgia remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict to ensure de-occupation, peaceful reunification, and development of the country through diplomatic and legal instruments, in close cooperation with international partners. The Government continues to take steps to promote reconciliation and rebuild trust between communities divided by the occupation line”, the Ministry noted.

“Georgia maintains constructive engagement in the Geneva International Discussions, the main goal of which is the implementation of the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement and the resolution of issues concerning the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Of particular importance is the unconditional resumption of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali, and the regular, principled conduct of this mechanism in both Gali and Ergneti”, the statement continued.

The Ministry further added that Georgia appreciated the unwavering support of the international community for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their involvement in the peaceful settlement process of the Russia-Georgia conflict.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Russian Federation to revoke the illegal decision recognizing the so-called independence of the occupied regions, to respect Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to fulfill the obligations under the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, to withdraw its forces from Georgia’s territory and to cease obstructing the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays tribute to the soldiers and civilians, who heroically lost their lives in the 2008 war.