Georgia: Russia Continues to Violate Georgia's Territorial Integrity
Georgia: Russia Continues to Violate Georgia's Territorial Integrity
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili stated that Russia continues its occupation policy against her country.
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun Sinirlioğlu, who was visiting the capital Tbilisi.
Following their closed-door meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Botchorishvili and Sinirlioğlu held a joint press conference.
Speaking at the conference, Botchorishvili reminded that Georgia is a member of the OSCE, stating, “In this context, on the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s establishment, we believe this organization must have the capacity to work for European security.”
Botchorishvili emphasized that Georgia is facing a problem with its territorial integrity, saying, “Two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), are under Russian occupation, and Russia continues to violate Georgia’s territorial integrity.”
She noted that Sinirlioğlu would visit the occupation line of South Ossetia, which unilaterally declared independence from Georgia, as part of his visit, and added that the OSCE Secretary General would “have the opportunity to witness firsthand the severe humanitarian consequences of the occupation.”
Botchorishvili stated that the OSCE contributes to the Geneva Discussions between Georgia and Russia and underlined the need to restart the previously held Gali Talks between the two countries.
Stressing that Georgia continues to pursue a peaceful policy, Botchorishvili said:
“We also believe it is important to ensure access to international security and human rights mechanisms in the occupied territories. Georgia wants peace and stability in the region.”
Minister Botchorishvili also emphasized that they want to continue contributing to peace and stability in the South Caucasus, adding, “We welcome the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and state that Georgia is ready to contribute to strengthening peace and cooperation in the region.”
"Stability in Georgia is of Vital Importance"
Sinirlioğlu noted that this was his first official visit to Georgia as OSCE Secretary General.
He stated that the OSCE supports Georgia, saying, “Of course, I serve loyally the interests of all member countries of our organization.”
Feridun Sinirlioğlu pointed out that the OSCE has a 16-year history of conflict prevention mechanisms and said, “The OSCE is an organization that has proven the importance of dialogue, especially between regions and countries in conflict.”
He noted that they have been cooperating with the Georgian government for many years and added:
“Stability in Georgia is of vital importance for the Georgian people and for the security and stability of the entire region.”
OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu expressed their determination to prove to Georgia that they are committed to strengthening security in the country.
Sinirlioğlu’s contacts in Georgia are ongoing.