NATO issues statement on 16 years since Russia's occupation of Georgian regions
NATO issues statement on Russia's occupation of Georgian regions (photo: Getty Images)
NATO reiterated its support for Georgia's territorial integrity on the 16th anniversary of Russia's occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.
The spokesperson said that NATO calls on Russia to withdraw its troops from the regions of Georgia that are deployed there without Tbilisi's consent.
"South Ossetia and Abkhazia are part of Georgia, despite 16 years of Russian occupation. NATO fully supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Dahlala said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also issued a statement on the 16th anniversary of Russian aggression against Georgia. The ministry emphasized that Russia has actually turned Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region into a gray zone.
"Russian imperialism in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe has remained unchanged for centuries and consists of deep-rooted chauvinism and contempt for other peoples, international law, internationally recognized borders, and the desire to restore imperial dominance," the Foreign Ministry said.
Occupation of Georgian regions
Russia deployed troops on the territory of Georgia in August 2008. As a result, Georgia was deprived of control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Moscow recognized the "independence" of the regions, but the world considered the regions occupied and part of Georgia's territories.
Georgia has stated that it wants to join the European Union along with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
