Georgia Update A service of the Government of Georgia
LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2008, 19:00 • TBILISI
World Deplores
Russia’s Illegal Attempt to Recognize the “Independence” of Georgia’s
Territories of South Ossetia & Abkhazia
EU, US, European Parliament, NATO, OSCE express unyielding
support for Georgia’s territorial integrity; Moscow fails to win backing even
from closest allies
I. INTRODUCTION
Leaders around the world have deplored Russia’s
decision to illegally recognize as “independent” the Georgian territories of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Moscow’s latest provocative move follows Russia’s
invasion of Georgia on August 7 and its subsequent campaign of ethnic cleansing
that has driven over 100,000 Georgians from the occupied territories and the
adjacent “security zones” declared by Moscow. It is in direct violation of
international law, dozens of UN Security Council decisions, and of the
six-point ceasefire agreement negotiated by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France
and signed by Russia, Georgia, and the French President.
Despite its strenuous diplomatic efforts and fierce
political pressure, Moscow failed to win the backing of even its closest
allies. Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States and of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as well as allies such as Iran and Venezuela,
have not recognized the two Georgian territories. The SCO, whose members
include China and the four Central Asian states, issued a statement stressing
the importance of territorial integrity in resolving the conflicts—a clear snub
of Moscow’s actions.
Almost all countries rejected Russia’s attempts to
draw parallels between the territories and Kosovo; they underscored that
intervention in Kosovo was aimed at preventing ethnic cleansing, while in the
case of Georgia’ Russia has used ethnic cleansing as a brutal tool to advance
its annexation of these Georgian regions.
Rape, pillage, the burning of houses, and
executions have been used by Russia and its affiliated militias to drive over
100,000 ethnic Georgians from the territories—actions that have been documented
by international human rights organizations, respected international
journalists, and other observers. This ethnic cleansing literally cleared the
ground for the subsequent declaration of independence by South Ossetia and
Abkhazia.
The move could have profound consequences relations
between Russia and the West. The EU responded to the recognition of South
Ossetia and Abkhazia by convening a Summit on September 1, only the first time
an emergency European Council summit has been called since the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
EU leaders decided to respond to Russia’s latest
provocation by, among other measures, sending monitors to Georgia; postponing
talks with Russia on a strategic partnership until Moscow withdraws its troops
from Georgia; and speeding the European integration of Georgia by fast-tracking
a free-trade agreement and visa facilitation.
Sections II and III below capture some of the
reactions by the international community to Russia’s attempt to recognize the
“independence” of Georgia’s territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
II. INTERNATIONAL
REACTION
"The
European Union strongly condemns this decision. This is contrary to the
principles of the independence, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity
of Georgia."
Statement by the Presidency of the
European Union
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1219767158.89
"The recognition of independence for
South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates fundamental OSCE principles. As all OSCE
participating States, Russia is committed to respecting the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of others."
"Russia
should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately withdraw all troops from
Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement, including the modalities defined
in the 16 August letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international
community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones.”
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander
Stubb
“Russia's
recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is absolutely not acceptable…. This
contradicts principles of territorial integrity as a fundamental right.”
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19297&search=
"Our country
is gravely concerned about the move…. Our country hopes that Russia ... will
take responsible actions for the region's stability."
Statement by the Foreign Ministry of
Japan
(26 August 2008)
http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6676&Itemid=65
"I reject the decision of the
Russian Government to extend recognition to the South Ossetia and Abkhazia
regions of Georgia. This is in direct violation of numerous UN Security Council
resolutions regarding Georgia’s territorial integrity, resolutions that Russia
itself has endorsed. Russia’s actions in recent weeks call into question
Russia''s commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus. NATO firmly
supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, and calls on
Russia to respect these principles”
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Secretary
General of NATO
http://www.unomig.org/media/headlines/?id=11277&y=2008&m=08&d=26
“Canada is
gravely concerned about Russia’s recognition of the independence of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This recognition violates Georgia’s
territorial integrity and sovereignty and is contrary to UN Security Council
resolutions supported by Russia, as well as to the six-point peace plan brokered
by President Nicolas Sarkozy on behalf of the EU.Canada supports the
democratic and legitimate government of Georgia. Russia must fulfill its
international obligations, reconsider its actions and cooperate fully with the
international community to resolve the crisis in Georgia in a peaceful manner.”
David Emerson, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Canada
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386468&language=E&docnumber=184
Russia’s
recognition does not apply in an international legal framework…. An
ethnic-based balkanisation of the Caucasus is a serious danger for all”
Franco Frattini, Foreign Minister of
Italy
(26 August 2008)
http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6675&Itemid=65
“It will also not
work. It is contrary to the principles of the peace agreement, which Russia
recently agreed, and to recent Russian statements. It takes no account of
the views of the hundreds of thousands of Georgians and others who have been
forced to abandon their homes in the two territories…. [The decision] further
inflames an already tense situation in the region.”
“We fully support
Georgia's independence and territorial integrity, which cannot be changed by
decree from Moscow,” the British foreign secretary said. “We again call on
Russia to abide by international law as the basis for resolving this crisis;
and to implement urgently and in full Russia's commitments to withdraw forces
from Georgia to pre-7 August positions.”
“I am holding
talks today with international partners and will be visiting Ukraine tomorrow
to ensure the widest possible coalition against Russian aggression in Georgia.”
David Miliband, UK Foreign Secretary
http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19302&search=
“I condemn the
decision by President Medvedev to recognise the independence of the two
Georgian regions of South-Ossetia and Abkhazia. This decision seriously
jeopardises the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict in line with
the principles of international law. It blatantly contradicts the fundamental
principles of the Council of Europe, the commitments taken by the Russian
Federation towards the Council of Europe, as well as the repeated assurances
given by the Russian authorities in favour of the full respect of the
territorial integrityand sovereignty of Georgia. ”
Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden
https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=PR598(2008)&Language=lanEnglish&Ver=original&Site=DC&BackColorInternet=F5CA75&BackColorIntranet=F5CA75&BackColorLogged=A9BACE
“This deeply
regrettable decision is contrary to the principles of Georgia’s sovereignty,
independence and territorial integrity. Moreover, it can only complicate
the urgent task of finding political solutions to the acute difficulties in the
region and to the wider international tensions which have developed over the
past weeks.”
Micheál Martin TD, Foreign Minister of Ireland
http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=72518
“Greece gave its full
support to the need for immediate implementation of the 6-point peace plan to
end the crisis – which was signed by both Moscow and Tbilisi – and we gave our
full support to the need to respect Georgia’s territorial integrity…. We
express our dismay at today’s developments and we subscribe to the French
Presidency’s statement condemning the decision to recognise the regions of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia in their secession from Georgia.”
Dora Bakoyanis, Foreign Minister of Greece
http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/27082008_SB1201.htm
“Since the United
States is a permanent member of the Security Council, this simply will be dead
on arrival in the Security Council….. [The move] puts Russia in opposition to
the Security Council resolution to which it is a party.”
Condoleeza
Rice, US Secretary of State
http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19298&search=
“Russia’s move is a deliberate breach of international law
and the principles of stability in Europe. Estonia, like all European Union and
NATO member states, adheres firmly to the principles of Georgia’s territorial
integrity. This step clearly shows that Russia does not want to find a solution
to the conflict situation, but would rather intensify it further,” said Paet.
“This decision does nothing to help stabilise the situation or improve the
prospect of peace in the Caucasus.”
Urmas Paet, Foreign Minister of Estonia
http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_138/10067.html?arhiiv_kuup=kuup_2008
“The United
States condemns the decision by the Russian President to recognize as
independent states the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This
decision is inconsistent with numerous United Nations Security Council
Resolutions that Russia has voted for in the past, and is also inconsistent
with the French-brokered six-point ceasefire agreement which President Medvedev
signed on August 12, 2008. The six-point agreement offered a peaceful way
forward to resolve the conflict. We expect Russia to live up to its
international commitments, reconsider this irresponsible decision, and follow
the approach set out in the six-point agreement.
“The territorial
integrity and borders of Georgia must be respected, just as those of Russia or
any other country. Russia's action only exacerbates tensions and complicates
diplomatic negotiations. In accordance with United Nations Security Council
Resolutions that remain in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the
internationally recognized borders of Georgia, and they must remain so.”
George Bush, President of the United States
http://www.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=78&info_id=7718
“This step goes
against all the principles of Georgian sovereignty, independence and
territorial integrity, which Russia has repeatedly accepted in the UN Security
Council…. The Georgian conflict must be solved through dialogue and
international mediation, not through unilateral measures…. The Russian
declaration in no way alters our position: Austria and the EU will continue to
defend Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire land.”
Ursula Plassnik, Foreign Minister of Austria
http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6735&Itemid=65
“Foreign Minister
Maris Riekstins condemns the decision by the President of the Russian
Federation, Dmitrij Medvedev, to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and
South Ossetia. Such a decision is contrary to the principles of Georgia's
independence, sovreignty and territorial integrity, which are recognised by the
United Nation's Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security
and Cooperation in Europe and the UN Security Council resolutions.The
Foreign Minister expresses steadfast support to the principle of Georgia's
territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.The Foreign
Minister calls for a political solution to the conflict in Georgia and believes
that Russia's decision does not, in any way, facilitate the achievement
of a settlement.”
Statement by the Foreign
Ministry of Latvia
http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2008/Ausust/26-4/
“Norway
emphasizes the use of peaceful means in the efforts to settle conflicts in
Europe, based on the UN's assumption of respect for territorial integrity.A
recognition of the breakaway Gregorian regions are in breach of these
assumptions. And it is not a constructive contribution to a long range and
peaceful solution to the conflict.”
Jonas Gahr Stoere, Foreign Minister of Norway
http://www.norwaypost.no/cgi-bin/norwaypost/imaker?id=187533
"The
decision of Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and
South Ossetia is causing serious worry…. This point has been repeatedly made by
Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin and is shared by all Nato and Eropean Union
member states, which have called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Georgia
immediately and have committed themselves to helping the [local] population.”
Statement of the Foreign Ministry of
Bulgaria
http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-worried-by-russia-s-recognition-of-south-ossetia-abkhazia-independence/id_31387/catid_68
III. ANNEX:
FULL STATEMENTS
A. EUROPEAN COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS, 1
SEPTEMBER 2008
Brussels, 1 September 2008 (01.09)
BRUSSELS
1
SEPTEMBER 2008
The
meeting of the European Council was preceded by an exposé by the President of
the European Parliament, Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, followed by an exchange of
views.
1.
The European Council is gravely concerned by the open conflict which has broken
out in Georgia, by the resulting violence and by the disproportionate reaction
of Russia. This conflict has led to great suffering on both sides. Military
action of this kind is not a solution and is not acceptable. The European
Council deplores the loss of human life, the suffering inflicted on the
population, the number of displaced persons and refugees, and the considerable
material damage.
2.
The European Council strongly condemns Russia's unilateral decision to
recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. That decision is
unacceptable and the European Union calls on other States not to recognise this
proclaimed independence and asks the Commission to examine the practical
consequences to be drawn. It recalls that a peaceful and lasting solution to
the conflict in Georgia must be based on full respect for the principles of
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity recognised by international
law, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in
Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
3.
The European Council emphasises that all European States have the right freely
to determine their foreign policy and their alliances, while respecting international
law and the principles of good neighbourliness and peaceful cooperation. It is
also legitimate for the security interests of each to be taken into account, so
long as the fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial
integrity and the independence of States are respected.
4.
The European Council is pleased that the six-point agreement achieved on 12
August on the basis of the European Union's mediation efforts has led to a
ceasefire, improved delivery of humanitarian aid to the victims, and a
substantial withdrawal of Russian military forces. The implementation of that
plan has to be complete. The European Council calls on the parties to continue
the full implementation in good faith of the agreement they have signed. The military
forces which have not yet withdrawn to the lines held prior to the outbreak of hostilities
must do so without delay. Besides the provision of assistance to the victims,
the urgent issue at the moment is to finalise the international monitoring
mechanism, in which the Union is prepared to participate, and which is provided
for in point 5 of the agreement, so as to replace the Russian additional
security measures in the zone adjacent to South Ossetia. It is also a matter of
urgency to begin the international talks provided for in point 6 of the agreement
concerning the security and stability arrangements in Abkhazia and South
Ossetia.
5.
The European Union is ready to commit itself, including through a presence on
the ground, to support every effort to secure a peaceful and lasting solution
to the conflict in Georgia. To that end, the Member States of the European
Union are making a significant contribution to strengthening the OSCE observer
mission in South Ossetia, by sending observers and by making substantial
material and financial contributions. The European Union has also decided on
the immediate dispatch of a fact-finding mission with the task of helping to
gather information and defining the modalities for an increased European Union
commitment on the ground, under the European Security and Defence Policy. The
European Council invites the relevant Council bodies to conclude all the
necessary preparatory work in order that a possible decision to commit such an
observer mission can be taken by the Council by 15 September 2008, depending on
how the situation develops, and in close coordination with the OSCE and the
United Nations. To this end the European Council requests the President of the
Council and the SG/HR to undertake all the necessary contacts and discussions.
6.
The European Union has already supplied emergency aid. It is prepared to supply
aid for reconstruction in Georgia, including the regions of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia. It is ready to support confidence-building measures and the
development of regional cooperation. It also decides to step up its relations
with Georgia, including visa facilitation measures and the possible
establishment of a full and comprehensive free trade area as soon as the
conditions are met. It will take the initiative of convening an international
conference shortly to assist reconstruction in Georgia and requests the Council
and the Commission to start preparations for this conference.
7.
The European Council notes with concern the impact which the current crisis is having
on the whole of the region. The European Union considers that it is more
necessary than ever to support regional cooperation and step up its relations
with its eastern neighbours, in particular through its neighbourhood policy,
the development of the "Black Sea Synergy" initiative and an
"Eastern Partnership" which the European Council wishes to adopt in
March 2009; to this end it invites the Commission to submit proposals in
December 2008. In this context the European Council stresses the importance of
the forthcoming summit between the European Union and Ukraine on 9 September.
8.
The European Council decides to appoint a European Union Special Representative
for the crisis in Georgia and asks the Council to make the necessary
arrangements.
9.
Recent events illustrate the need for Europe to intensify its efforts with
regard to the security of energy supplies. The European Council invites the
Council, in cooperation with the Commission, to examine initiatives to be taken
to this end, in particular as regards diversification of energy sources and
supply routes.
10.
With the crisis in Georgia, relations between the EU and Russia have reached a
crossroads. The European Council considers that given the interdependence
between the European Union and Russia, and the global problems they are facing,
there is no desirable alternative to a strong relationship, based on
cooperation, trust and dialogue, respect for the rule of law and the principles
recognised by the United Nations Charter and by the OSCE. It was for this reason
that we launched negotiations for a new framework agreement between the Union
and Russia last July.
11. We call on Russia to join with us in making this fundamental choice in favour of mutual interest, understanding and cooperation. We are convinced that it is in Russia's own interest not to isolate itself from Europe. For its part, the European Union has shown itself willing to engage in partnership and cooperation, in keeping with the principles and values on which it is based. We expect Russia to behave in a responsible manner, honouring all its commitments. The Union will remain vigilant; the European Council requests the Council, with the Commission, to conduct a careful in-depth examination of the situation and of the various aspects of EU-Russia relations; this evaluation must begin now and continue in the run-up to the forthcoming summit scheduled to take place in Nice on 14 November 2008. The European Council gives a mandate to its President to continue discussions with a view to the full application of the six-point agreement. To that end, the President of the European Council will go to Moscow on 8 September, accompanied by the President of the Commission and the High Representative. Until troops have withdrawn to the positions held prior to 7 August, meetings on the negotiation of the Partnership Agreement will be postponed.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/ec/102545.pdf
B. REPORT ON REACTION OF EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT
MEPs call on Russia to honour its commitments and withdraw its troops
from Georgia, in a resolution adopted by the European Parliament. MEPs are in
favour of a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) monitoring mission to
Georgia and ask the European Commission to propose visa facilitation and
readmission agreements. They also call for a boost to the EU's neighbourhood
policy and reaffirm the importance of Georgia in improving EU energy security.
The resolution was adopted with 549 votes in favour, 68 against and 61
abstentions.
MEPs call on Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
Republic of Georgia and to honour all its commitments under the ceasefire
agreement, beginning with the complete and immediate withdrawal of its troops.
They strongly condemn the recognition by the Russian Federation of the
independence of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia.
Otherwise, MEPs call on the Council and Commission to review their policy
towards Russia. They back the European Council's decision to postpone the
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement negotiations until the withdrawal of the
Russian troops to their positions prior to 7 August.
In order to facilitate de-mining operations, MEPs call on the Russian and
Georgian authorities to provide full information concerning the areas where
their armies dropped cluster bombs.
Visa facilitation and international investigation
MEPs call
on the Commission to propose visa facilitation and readmission agreements with
Georgia at least equivalent to those for Russia.
MEPs demand that an independent international investigation be carried in order
to establish the facts and bring greater clarity to certain allegations. The
House urges Georgia, which ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC, and the
Russian authorities to lend support to and fully cooperate with the Office of
the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
European Security and Defence Policy monitoring mission
MEPs ask
the Council to consider the deployment of an ESDP (European Security and
Defence Policy) monitoring mission to complement the UN and OSCE missions.
MEPs welcome in particular the decision to appoint an EU Special Representative
for the crisis in Georgia.
Neighbourhood policy and energy dependence
The
European Neighbourhood Policy should be developed and more adapted to "the
needs of our eastern partners", including a strengthening of EU
involvement in the Black Sea region, according to MEPs. They back the proposal
to speed up the establishment of a free trade zone with Georgia, Ukraine and
the Republic of Moldova.
The House stresses the importance of Georgia in improving EU energy security by
providing an alternative to the Russian energy transit route. MEPs expect a
strong EU commitment in pursuing the Nabucco pipeline project which would cross
Georgia's territory. The need to diversify sources of supply is also underlined
by MEPs.
Socialist group would have preferred mention of Saakashvili
"inappropriate" initial action
Martin Schulz
(PES, DE) speaking in the plenary in the vote said that the PES group would
have preferred that a mention of Georgia's "inappropriate initial
behaviour" at the start of the conflict be included in the joint
resolution. In the negotiations with the other groups on the joint
resolution this mention was not included.