Five years after the Russia-Georgia War, Georgia maintains it aims to resolve the conflict in a non-violent way.
“On the fifth anniversary of the Russia-Georgia August 2008 war, the government of Georgia reiterates that its goal is to resolve the existing problem with Russia in a very peaceful manner through negotiations based on the international law,” said Georgian Ambassador Ekaterine Meiering-Mikadze.
She was reading out a statement from her Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the August War, to journalists at the embassy yesterday.
It has been five years since Russia’s incursion into the sovereign territory of Georgia but Russian armed forces still continue occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory which violates the fundamental principles of international law, she said.
The Russian Federation continues ignoring its obligation under the six-point Ceasefire Agreement brokered by the EU and signed by Georgia and Russia on August 12, 2008, she added.
Instead of withdrawing its forces as set out in the agreement, the Russian Federation has reinforced its military bases, illegally deployed in occupied regions, installing heavy offensive equipment and military personnel. Despite this, Georgia has taken specific substantial initiatives towards resolving the conflict, including removing barriers for Russia’s membership in WTO, unilaterally abolishing visa requirements for citizens of the Russian Federation, refusing to boycott the Sochi Olympic Games 2014, expressing readiness for cooperation to ensure security of the Olympic Games, nominating a special representative on relations with the Russian Federation, and reaffirming the political will and readiness to resume trade, economic, humanitarian and cultural ties with Russia.
“We strive to restore confidence and trust between the people divided by the war, by extending the hand of reconciliation to Abkhaz and Ossetian compatriots.
“The goal is to offer them opportunities for economic and social development and enable the communities divided by the occupation line to set aside past disagreements and build the shared future.
“Despite existing serious challenges, Georgia firmly stands on its course towards the European and Euro-Atlantic cooperation and integration.
“Further integration into the European family not only will help the successful accomplishment of Georgia’s national project, but also establish the country firmly among the free and democratic nations of the world,” the ambassador added.
The film Russian Lessons was screened at yesterday’s event.
It looks deeper into the war through the eyes of two Russian filmmakers as they separately travel to the frontlines of the war.
The documentary delves into the heart of the issue taking personal narratives of people in the war zone, thus showing a story different from what the Russian government and the media agree on.
Source:The Peninsula
