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After the [[Russo-Georgian war]], on 26 August 2008, the Russian president [[Dmitry Medvedev]] signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as sovereign states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/08/26/1543_type82912_205752.shtml |title=Statement by President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev |publisher=Kremlin.ru |date=2008-08-26}}</ref> Russia established diplomatic relations with both Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news|last=Solovyev|first=Vladimir|url=http://www.kommersant.com/p1023629/r_538/South_Ossetia_Abkhazia_recognition/|title=Freshly Recognized|date=2008-09-10|publisher=[[Kommersant]]}}</ref> Russian troops were placed in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. [[Sergey Lavrov]] said that Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia was necessary to prevent Georgia from regaining control.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/09/georgia.russia | location=London | work=The Guardian | first1=Luke | last1=Harding | first2=Jenny | last2=Percival | title=Russian troops to stay in Abkhazia and South Ossetia | date=2008-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081119/118400373.html |title=Russia fully staffs bases in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=2008-11-19}}</ref> Russian security forces were deployed along the demarcation lines with Georgia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20090430/150015055.html|title=Russia signs deals with Abkhazia, S.Ossetia on border protection |date=2009-04-30|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|location=[[Moscow]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090502/121414333.html|title=Russian guards take up duties on Abkhaz, S. Ossetia borders|date=2009-05-02|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|location=[[Rostov-on-Don]]}}</ref> |
After the [[Russo-Georgian war]], on 26 August 2008, the Russian president [[Dmitry Medvedev]] signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as sovereign states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/speeches/2008/08/26/1543_type82912_205752.shtml |title=Statement by President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev |publisher=Kremlin.ru |date=2008-08-26}}</ref> Russia established diplomatic relations with both Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite news|last=Solovyev|first=Vladimir|url=http://www.kommersant.com/p1023629/r_538/South_Ossetia_Abkhazia_recognition/|title=Freshly Recognized|date=2008-09-10|publisher=[[Kommersant]]}}</ref> Russian troops were placed in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. [[Sergey Lavrov]] said that Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia was necessary to prevent Georgia from regaining control.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/09/georgia.russia | location=London | work=The Guardian | first1=Luke | last1=Harding | first2=Jenny | last2=Percival | title=Russian troops to stay in Abkhazia and South Ossetia | date=2008-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081119/118400373.html |title=Russia fully staffs bases in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia |publisher=RIA Novosti |date=2008-11-19}}</ref> Russian security forces were deployed along the demarcation lines with Georgia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20090430/150015055.html|title=Russia signs deals with Abkhazia, S.Ossetia on border protection |date=2009-04-30|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|location=[[Moscow]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090502/121414333.html|title=Russian guards take up duties on Abkhaz, S. Ossetia borders|date=2009-05-02|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|location=[[Rostov-on-Don]]}}</ref> |
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The Georgian parliament unanimously passed a resolution on 28 August 2008 formally declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia Russian-occupied territories, and calling Russian troops occupying forces.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19330 Abkhazia, S.Ossetia Formally Declared Occupied Territory]. Civil Georgia. 2008-08-28.</ref> In late October 2008, president [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] signed into law legislation on the occupied territories passed by the |
The Georgian parliament unanimously passed a resolution on 28 August 2008 formally declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia Russian-occupied territories, and calling Russian troops occupying forces.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19330 Abkhazia, S.Ossetia Formally Declared Occupied Territory]. Civil Georgia. 2008-08-28.</ref> In late October 2008, president [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] signed into law legislation on the occupied territories passed by the [[Parliament of Georgia]]. The law covers the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and the territory of former [[South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19868&search= |title=Bill on Occupied Territories Signed into Law |publisher=Civil.Ge |date=2008-10-31}}</ref> |
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After the war Russians gradually withdrew from Georgia proper, but they remained in Perevi.<ref name "bbc">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11570787 | work=BBC News | title=Russian troops leave Georgia town | date=2010-10-18}}</ref> On |
After the war Russians gradually withdrew from Georgia proper, but they remained in Perevi.<ref name "bbc">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11570787 | work=BBC News | title=Russian troops leave Georgia town | date=2010-10-18}}</ref> On 12 December 2008, Russian forces withdrew from Perevi. 8 hours later, a 500-strong Russian contingent re-occupied Perevi, and Georgian police withdrew after the Russians threatened to fire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=20131 |title=MIA: Russia’s Moves in Perevi Aim at ‘Renewal of Military Confrontation’ |publisher=Civil Georgia |date=13 December 2008}}</ref> On 18 October 2010, all Russian troops in Perevi withdrew to South Ossetia and a Georgian Army unit moved in.<ref name "bbc"/> |
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In April 2010, the Georgian parliament’s foreign affairs committee appealed to legislative bodies of 31 countries, asking to declare Georgia’s two regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories under Russian occupation and to recognize that the massive displacement of civilians from those regions by Russia amounts to ethnic cleansing.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22165 Letter by Georgian Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Relations]. Civil Georgia. 2010-04-08.</ref> |
In April 2010, the Georgian parliament’s foreign affairs committee appealed to legislative bodies of 31 countries, asking to declare Georgia’s two regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories under Russian occupation and to recognize that the massive displacement of civilians from those regions by Russia amounts to ethnic cleansing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dfwatch.net/russian-military-presence-called-occupation-94005 |title=Russian military presence called occupation |date=2012-07-10 |publisher=DFWATCH}}</ref><ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22165 Letter by Georgian Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Relations]. Civil Georgia. 2010-04-08.</ref> |
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In 2013, the amendments were made to the law on occupied territories of Georgia. Violating this law first time will entail administrative sanctions, not criminal persecution and imprisonment as it was before. According to the amendments if a person crosses the border illegally first time he/she is fined for GEL 400 |
In 2013, the amendments were made to the law on occupied territories of Georgia. Violating this law first time will entail administrative sanctions, not criminal persecution and imprisonment as it was before. According to the amendments if a person crosses the border illegally first time he/she is fined for GEL 400, while repeated violation is still a criminal offense posing up to 1 year of imprisonment or minimum GEL 800 fine.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://dfwatch.net/georgia-wont-jail-for-illegal-entering-in-occupied-territories-90104 | work=DFWATCH STAFF | title=Georgia won't jail for illegal entering in occupied territories | date=2013-04-02}}</ref> |
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In 2013, reports emerged that the actor [[Gérard Depardieu]] would be investigated by Georgian authorities for the violation of law. Georgian Government representative said that "Depardieu visited Abkhazia’s capital, Sukhumi, and met with the region's separatist leadership on July 1 without preliminary consultations with Tbilisi."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rferl.org/content/depardieu-abkhazia-georgia-breakaway-law-russia/25035179.html | work=RFE/RL | title=Depardieu 'Violated Georgian Law On Occupied Territories' | date=2013-07-03}}</ref> |
In 2013, reports emerged that the actor [[Gérard Depardieu]] would be investigated by Georgian authorities for the violation of law. Georgian Government representative said that "Depardieu visited Abkhazia’s capital, Sukhumi, and met with the region's separatist leadership on July 1 without preliminary consultations with Tbilisi."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rferl.org/content/depardieu-abkhazia-georgia-breakaway-law-russia/25035179.html | work=RFE/RL | title=Depardieu 'Violated Georgian Law On Occupied Territories' | date=2013-07-03}}</ref> |
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==Georgian law== |
==Georgian law== |
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According to the Georgian law on occupied territories, the term “the occupied territories and territorial waters” or “The Occupied Territories” covers the territories of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Tskhinvali Region (territory of the former South Ossetia Autonomous Region) and waters in the Black Sea located in the aquatic territory of the Black Sea, along Georgia’s state border with the Russian Federation, to the South of the Psou river, up to the administrative border at the estuary of the Engury River. The term also covers the air space over the aforementioned territories. |
According to the Georgian law on occupied territories, the term “the occupied territories and territorial waters” or “The Occupied Territories” covers the territories of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Tskhinvali Region (territory of the former [[South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast|South Ossetia Autonomous Region]]) and waters in the Black Sea located in the aquatic territory of the Black Sea, along Georgia’s state border with the Russian Federation, to the South of the Psou river, up to the administrative border at the estuary of the Engury River. The term also covers the air space over the aforementioned territories. |
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The law spells out restrictions on free movement and economic activity in the territories. In particular, according to the law, foreign citizens should enter the two breakaway regions only from Georgia. Entry into Abkhazia should be carried out from the [[Zugdidi District]] and into South Ossetia from the [[Gori District]] |
The law spells out restrictions on free movement and economic activity in the territories. In particular, according to the law, foreign citizens should enter the two breakaway regions only from Georgia. Entry into Abkhazia should be carried out from the [[Zugdidi District]] and into South Ossetia from the [[Gori District]]. |
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The legislation also lists special cases in which entry into the breakaway regions will not be regarded as illegal. It stipulates that a special permit on entry into the breakaway regions can be issued if the trip there "serves Georgia’s state interests; peaceful resolution of the conflict; de-occupation or humanitarian purposes." Also the citizens of foreign countries and persons without citizenship having entered Georgia from Russian side through Abkhazia and South Ossetia who seek asylum in the country aren't subject to the punishment. |
The legislation also lists special cases in which entry into the breakaway regions will not be regarded as illegal. It stipulates that a special permit on entry into the breakaway regions can be issued if the trip there "serves Georgia’s state interests; peaceful resolution of the conflict; de-occupation or humanitarian purposes." Also the citizens of foreign countries and persons without citizenship having entered Georgia from Russian side through Abkhazia and South Ossetia, who seek asylum in the country aren't subject to the punishment. |
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Any economic activity (entrepreneurial or non-entrepreneurial) is prohibited regardless whether or not it is implemented for receiving profit, income or compensation, if under the laws of Georgia ‘On Licenses and Permits’, ‘On Entrepreneurs’, ‘On Bee-Farming’, ‘On Museums’, ‘On Water’, ‘On Civil Registry’, ‘On Electronic Communications’, the Maritime Code of Georgia or the Civil Code of Georgia, such activity requires a license, permit, authorization or registration or if, under the Georgian legislation, such activity requires an agreement but it has not been granted. Any transaction related to real estate property and concluded in violation of the Georgian law is deemed void from the moment of conclusion and does not give rise to any legal consequences. |
Any economic activity (entrepreneurial or non-entrepreneurial) is prohibited regardless whether or not it is implemented for receiving profit, income or compensation, if under the laws of Georgia ‘On Licenses and Permits’, ‘On Entrepreneurs’, ‘On Bee-Farming’, ‘On Museums’, ‘On Water’, ‘On Civil Registry’, ‘On Electronic Communications’, the Maritime Code of Georgia or the Civil Code of Georgia, such activity requires a license, permit, authorization or registration or if, under the Georgian legislation, such activity requires an agreement but it has not been granted. Any transaction related to real estate property and concluded in violation of the Georgian law is deemed void from the moment of conclusion and does not give rise to any legal consequences. |
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*{{flag|Azerbaijan}} — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement in which it called on the citizens of Azerbaijan to refrain from traveling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia without permission of Georgian authorities and warned that these trips were considered illegal and the travelers would be punished accordingly. The Ministry also referred to these territories as "territories that are out of control of its Government."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mfa.gov.az/?language=en&options=content&id=589 |title=WARNING ON THE VISITS TO THE GEORGIAN TERRITORIES THAT ARE OUT OF CONTROL OF ITS GOVERNMENT |publisher=Republic of Azerbaijan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}</ref> |
*{{flag|Azerbaijan}} — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement in which it called on the citizens of Azerbaijan to refrain from traveling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia without permission of Georgian authorities and warned that these trips were considered illegal and the travelers would be punished accordingly. The Ministry also referred to these territories as "territories that are out of control of its Government."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mfa.gov.az/?language=en&options=content&id=589 |title=WARNING ON THE VISITS TO THE GEORGIAN TERRITORIES THAT ARE OUT OF CONTROL OF ITS GOVERNMENT |publisher=Republic of Azerbaijan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}</ref> |
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*{{flag|Ukraine}} — In connection with the adoption of the Georgian law on the occupied territories, Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has advised their citizens to fulfill the provision of international law and refuse to cross the border from Russian side.<ref>{{ru icon}} {{cite news| url=http://ria.ru/politics/20090820/181672678.html | agency=RIA Novosti | title=МИД Украины не рекомендует гражданам посещать Абхазию и Южную Осетию | date=2009-08-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Temuri Kiguradze |url=http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1924_august_21_2009/1924_temo.html | title=Ukraine warns its citizens against travelling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia |agency=The Messenger Online |date=2009-08-21}}</ref> |
*{{flag|Ukraine}} — In connection with the adoption of the Georgian law on the occupied territories, Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has advised their citizens to fulfill the provision of international law and refuse to cross the border from the Russian side.<ref>{{ru icon}} {{cite news| url=http://ria.ru/politics/20090820/181672678.html | agency=RIA Novosti | title=МИД Украины не рекомендует гражданам посещать Абхазию и Южную Осетию | date=2009-08-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Temuri Kiguradze |url=http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1924_august_21_2009/1924_temo.html | title=Ukraine warns its citizens against travelling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia |agency=The Messenger Online |date=2009-08-21}}</ref> |
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==Russian position== |
==Russian position== |
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The Russian Federation also holds that "it does not at present, nor will it in the future, exercise effective control over South Ossetia or Abkhazia" and that "it was not an occupying power". It also noted that “despite having crossed into the territory of Georgia in the course of the conflict, Russia was not an occupying power in terms of IHL.” According to Russia, the number of Russian troops stationed in South Ossetia and Abkhazia "does not allow Russia in practice to establish effective control over these territories which total 12 500 sq. kilometers in size."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ceiig.ch/pdf/IIFFMCG_Volume_II.pdf | title=Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia. Report. Volume II |format=PDF | date=September 2009}}</ref> |
The Russian Federation also holds that "it does not at present, nor will it in the future, exercise effective control over South Ossetia or Abkhazia" and that "it was not an occupying power". It also noted that “despite having crossed into the territory of Georgia in the course of the conflict, Russia was not an occupying power in terms of IHL.” According to Russia, the number of Russian troops stationed in South Ossetia and Abkhazia "does not allow Russia in practice to establish effective control over these territories which total 12 500 sq. kilometers in size."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ceiig.ch/pdf/IIFFMCG_Volume_II.pdf | title=Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia. Report. Volume II |format=PDF | date=September 2009}}</ref> |
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In 2013 Russian Foreign Ministry asked Georgia to abolish the law on the occupied territories of Georgia.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130605/181527918.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=Russia Urges Georgia to Scrap Occupied Territories Law | date=2013-06-05}}</ref> |
In June 2013 Russian Foreign Ministry asked Georgia to abolish the law on the occupied territories of Georgia. Russian deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin claimed that the abolition of the law would "create a favorable environment for cultural exchanges, above all for tourist trips."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130605/181527918.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=Russia Urges Georgia to Scrap Occupied Territories Law | date=2013-06-05}}</ref> |
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===Criticism of Russian claims=== |
===Criticism of Russian claims=== |
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Contrary to Russian claims, the report prepared by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, raised concerns that Russia "not only failed to withdraw, it expanded territory under its control beyond the pre-war conflict zones" and Russia "established a troop presence in 51 villages it did not control before the war and conducted military patrols on territory it did not previously hold".<ref name="NCAFP">{{cite web | publisher=National Committee on American Foreign Policy and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights | url=http://www.ncafp.org/ncafp/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Implementation-Review-Russia-and-Georgia-Aug20111.pdf |title=Implementation Review: Six Point Ceasefire Agreement between Russia and Georgia |format=PDF | date=August 2011}}</ref> |
Contrary to Russian claims, the report prepared by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, raised concerns that Russia "not only failed to withdraw, it expanded territory under its control beyond the pre-war conflict zones" and Russia "established a troop presence in 51 villages it did not control before the war and conducted military patrols on territory it did not previously hold".<ref name="NCAFP">{{cite web | publisher=National Committee on American Foreign Policy and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights | url=http://www.ncafp.org/ncafp/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Implementation-Review-Russia-and-Georgia-Aug20111.pdf |title=Implementation Review: Six Point Ceasefire Agreement between Russia and Georgia |format=PDF | date=August 2011}}</ref> |
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The report also describes current Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia |
The report also describes current Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia: |
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{{Quotation|"Russia also deployed new weapons systems, such as attack helicopters and tanks where they did not exist before the war. By October 2010, Abkhazia and South Ossetia became host to “Smerch” type offensive rockets, “Tochka-U,” and S-21, a tactical rocket that can carry nuclear, cluster, or chemical agents up to 150 kilometers. S-300 surface to air missiles were based in Abkhazia. Russia signed 49-year lease agreements with automatic 5-year renewals in Gudauta and Tskhinvali. Russia has built 5 permanent military bases in South Ossetia manned by approximately 5,000 security personnel. Another 5,000 are based in Abkhazia. Both deployments include regular army troops, border guards and FSB personnel. Russia’s Ministry of Defense revamped its military command in the North Caucasus, linking it to Russian forces in Georgia."<ref name="NCAFP" />}} |
{{Quotation|"Russia also deployed new weapons systems, such as attack helicopters and tanks where they did not exist before the war. By October 2010, Abkhazia and South Ossetia became host to “Smerch” type offensive rockets, “Tochka-U,” and S-21, a tactical rocket that can carry nuclear, cluster, or chemical agents up to 150 kilometers. S-300 surface to air missiles were based in Abkhazia. Russia signed 49-year lease agreements with automatic 5-year renewals in Gudauta and Tskhinvali. Russia has built 5 permanent military bases in South Ossetia manned by approximately 5,000 security personnel. Another 5,000 are based in Abkhazia. Both deployments include regular army troops, border guards and FSB personnel. Russia’s Ministry of Defense revamped its military command in the North Caucasus, linking it to Russian forces in Georgia."<ref name="NCAFP" />}} |
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==Russian border operations== |
==Russian border operations== |
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The demarcation of South Ossetian boundary in [[Shida Kartli]] started in 2011 with the construction of a few fences in Ditsi and Dvani, but it was stopped after local negotiations.<ref name="tol">{{cite news| author=Nino Chimakadze |url=http://www.tol.org/client/article/23867-georgia-russia-ossetia.html |title=Russia-Georgia Fence-Mending Hits a Snag |agency=Transitions Online: Regional Intelligence |date=2013-07-18}}</ref> |
The demarcation of the South Ossetian boundary in [[Shida Kartli]] started in 2011 with the construction of a few fences in Ditsi and Dvani, but it was stopped after local negotiations.<ref name="tol">{{cite news| author=Nino Chimakadze |url=http://www.tol.org/client/article/23867-georgia-russia-ossetia.html |title=Russia-Georgia Fence-Mending Hits a Snag |agency=Transitions Online: Regional Intelligence |date=2013-07-18}}</ref> |
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The process of border demarcation continued in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Georgian News TV |url=http://www.georgianews.ge/politics/23492-creeping-annexation-continues-russia-moves-borders-inside-georgia.html |title=Creeping annexation continues: Russia moves borders inside Georgia | date=2013-05-28}}</ref> Russian troops started the erection of barbed |
The process of border demarcation continued in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Georgian News TV |url=http://www.georgianews.ge/politics/23492-creeping-annexation-continues-russia-moves-borders-inside-georgia.html |title=Creeping annexation continues: Russia moves borders inside Georgia | date=2013-05-28}}</ref> Russian troops started the erection of barbed wire barriers to separate the South Ossetian territory from the rest of Georgia.<ref name="tol"/> Border runs through several Georgian villages, effectively separating people from their farmland, ancestral homes, and cemeteries.<ref name="fence">{{cite news | url=http://www.rferl.org/content/georgia-russia-ossetia/25131531.html | work=RFE/RL | title=Georgian Villagers Irate As Fence Goes Up On South Ossetia Boundary | date=2013-10-09}}</ref> In some instances, the Georgian residents could not access their plots or come out of their homes because the border of barbed wire runs through or around their property.<ref name="tol"/> Russian authorities have remained tight-lipped about the developments, claiming only that South Ossetia was marking out "its true territorial boundaries" in line with maps from the Soviet-era, when the province was an autonomous region within the [[Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic]]. The Russian Foreign Ministry also dismissed Tbilisi's claim that the boundary line was being shifted further into Georgia proper and warned of "serious consequences" if Tbilisi continued what it described as "political speculation."<ref name="fence"/> [[Sergey Lavrov]] has declared that fences across South Ossetia will no longer be needed after “hotheads cool down.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=26759 |title=Lavrov on Ties with Georgia, 'Borderisation' and NATO Expansion |publisher=Civil.ge |date=4 December 2013}}</ref> |
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The length of the security fence along the Georgian-South Ossetian administrative boundary is 400 km.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasiareview.com/26032014-borders-of-war-the-impact-of-south-ossetias-new-border-analysis/ |title=Borders Of War: The Impact Of South Ossetia’s New Border – Analysis |author=TransConflict |date=2014-03-26}}</ref> The new border extends between 50-300 meters beyond the line of occupation.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=CACI Analyst | author=Ariela Shapiro | url=http://cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/12773-normalized-georgia-russia-relations-may-contradict-georgias-territorial-integrity.html |title=Normalized Georgia-Russia Relations May Contradict Georgia's Territorial Integrity | date=2013-07-13}}</ref> According to Georgia’s Interior Ministry, there was no fencing activities at the administrative border of Georgia’s other breakaway region of Abkhazia, where the Enguri river serves as "a natural dividing line" |
The length of the security fence along the Georgian-South Ossetian administrative boundary is 400 km.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasiareview.com/26032014-borders-of-war-the-impact-of-south-ossetias-new-border-analysis/ |title=Borders Of War: The Impact Of South Ossetia’s New Border – Analysis |author=TransConflict |date=2014-03-26}}</ref> The new border extends between 50-300 meters beyond the line of occupation.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=CACI Analyst | author=Ariela Shapiro | url=http://cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/12773-normalized-georgia-russia-relations-may-contradict-georgias-territorial-integrity.html |title=Normalized Georgia-Russia Relations May Contradict Georgia's Territorial Integrity | date=2013-07-13}}</ref> According to Georgia’s Interior Ministry, there was no fencing activities at the administrative border of Georgia’s other breakaway region of Abkhazia, where the Enguri river serves as "a natural dividing line", but Russian troops were blocking the pathways to prevent "illegal" movement across the administrative boundary line.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=26144 Interior Ministry Briefs Diplomats on 'Borderisation']. Civil Georgia. 2013-06-04.</ref> Georgians suspect that the fence-building by the Russian military personnel is connected to the fact that their country is making steps towards close cooperation with the European Union by initiating an association agreement with the EU.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/europe/2013/12/georgia-seeks-closer-ties-with-europe-201312618540820659.html |title=Georgia seeks closer ties with Europe |date=2013-12-06 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> |
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In |
In January 2014, it was announced that swathe of Abkhazian territory would be included in part of the large "security zone" being set up in advance of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In a period between January 20 and March 21, anyone entering the zone had to produce documents to police. A stationary checkpoint was established at the village of Bagripshi in Gagra district on the edge of the 11 km (seven miles) zone, which was manned by officers from the Abkhaz security service, interior ministry and migration service.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67956 | work=Eurasianet | title=Sochi Olympics "Security Zone" Extended Into Abkhazia | date=2014-01-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=26871 |title='Border Zone' Extended Deeper into Abkhazia Ahead of Sochi Olympics |publisher=Civil.ge |date=2014-01-20}}</ref> The Government of Georgia expressed "deep concern" over the "illegal expansion".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25830623 |title=Sochi games: Georgia protests as Russia expands border zone |publisher=BBC News | date=2014-01-21}}</ref> |
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NATO criticized Russia on February 5 for expanding its border deeper into Georgia's Abkhazia region, a move Moscow |
NATO criticized Russia on February 5 for expanding its border deeper into Georgia's Abkhazia region, a move Moscow had portrayed as a temporary step to expand a security zone around the Sochi Winter Olympics. "We have noted the recent decision to temporarily extend the so-called border zone of Abkhazia further into Georgian territory without the Georgian government's consent," NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] said. "We are very concerned about that decision," he told a news conference in Brussels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/05/us-georgia-russia-idUSBREA141IG20140205 |title=NATO raps Russia for expanding border into Georgia |publisher=Reuters | author=Adrian Croft | date=2014-02-05}}</ref> |
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==International position== |
==International position== |
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=== Lithuania === |
=== Lithuania === |
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The first country to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as the territories under Russian military occupation, |
The first country except Georgia to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as the territories under Russian military occupation, became Lithuania. The Lithuanian Seimas adopted a resolution in June 2010 condemning Russian aggression and occupation of Georgian territories. The resolution said that Russia’s use of the local puppet regimes to control the regions constituted a violation of international law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://balticreports.com/2010/06/02/seimas-passes-russia-georgia-resolution/ |title=Seimas rebukes Russia with resolution |author=Adam Mullett |date=2010-06-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Petras Vaida |url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/legislation/?doc=27677 |title=Lithuanian Seimas passes resolution on support to Georgia | agency=The Baltic Course |date=2010-06-02}}</ref> |
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===France=== |
===France=== |
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French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said during a visit to Tbilisi in July 2010 that "Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia and Russia should withdraw its troops from those territories." He also said that "the term "occupation" cannot solve the problems between Georgia and Russia" while answering questions from journalists.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.trend.az/news/politics/1721244.html | work=Trend | title=French FM: 'Occupation' cannot solve Georgia-Russia problems | date=2010-07-15 |
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said during a visit to Tbilisi in July 2010 that "Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia and Russia should withdraw its troops from those territories."<ref>{{cite news|author=Mzia Kupunia |url=http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2150_july_16_2010/2150_mzia.html |title=Kouchner calls on Tbilisi to start dialogue with Russia |agency=The Messenger Online |date=2010-07-16}}</ref> He also said that "the term "occupation" cannot solve the problems between Georgia and Russia" while answering questions from journalists.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.trend.az/news/politics/1721244.html | work=Trend | title=French FM: 'Occupation' cannot solve Georgia-Russia problems | date=2010-07-15}}</ref> |
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In May 2014, |
In May 2014, President [[François Hollande]] had three-day trip to South Caucasus countries and finished by visiting Georgia on 13 May. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Georgian counterpart [[Giorgi Margvelashvili]], he said that Georgia’s territories remain occupied and the cease-fire agreement is not fully respected.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27225 |title=Hollande Holds Talks with Georgian Leadership in Tbilisi |publisher=Civil Georgia |date=13 May 2014}}</ref> "France did everything for the agreement to be reached and the conflict to stop. However we see today that occupation still exists and Georgia still has to regain territorial integrity," Hollande said while speaking about the 2008 Georgia-Russia war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://agenda.ge/news/14057/eng |title=French President:"My visit aims to support Georgia's territorial integrity" |publisher=Agenda.ge |date=14 May 2014}}</ref> |
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===Romania=== |
===Romania=== |
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In March 2014, the President of Romania [[Traian Basescu]] at the presentation of the Defence Ministry’s annual report declared: "We can no longer see the incidents of 2008, when the Russian Federation occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as isolated occurrences. Ukraine was next, so all politicians and all military strategists are bound to ask, who will follow. Could it be Transdniestr, could it be the Republic of Moldova? These are questions anyone may ask. The unpredictability of the Russian Federation prompts us to look at various scenarios and response options."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rri.ro/en_gb/the_annual_report_of_the_romanian_army-15161 |title=The Annual Report of the Romanian Army |author=Corina Cristea |publisher=Radio România Internaţional |date=2014-03-28}}</ref> |
In March 2014, the President of Romania [[Traian Basescu]] at the presentation of the Defence Ministry’s annual report declared: "We can no longer see the incidents of 2008, when the Russian Federation occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as isolated occurrences. Ukraine was next, so all politicians and all military strategists are bound to ask, who will follow. Could it be Transdniestr, could it be the Republic of Moldova? These are questions anyone may ask. The unpredictability of the Russian Federation prompts us to look at various scenarios and response options."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rri.ro/en_gb/the_annual_report_of_the_romanian_army-15161 |title=The Annual Report of the Romanian Army |author=Corina Cristea |publisher=Radio România Internaţional |date=2014-03-28}}</ref> |
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Basescu told Realitatea TV broadcaster on 13 April 2014 that the Russian forces control the Black Sea "almost in its entirety, through controling all these frozen conflicts." He also said that "In Transnistria they occupy Moldovan territory, in Crimea they occupy Ukrainian territory, in Georgia they occupy Georgian territory, South Ossetia and Abkhazia..."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agerpres.ro/english/2014/04/14/basescu-i-m-far-from-being-an-anti-russian-11-47-34 |title=Basescu: I'm far from being an anti-Russian |publisher=AGERPRES |date=2014-04-14}}</ref> |
Basescu told [[Realitatea TV]] broadcaster on 13 April 2014 that the Russian forces control the Black Sea "almost in its entirety, through controling all these frozen conflicts." He also said that "In Transnistria they occupy Moldovan territory, in Crimea they occupy Ukrainian territory, in Georgia they occupy Georgian territory, South Ossetia and Abkhazia..."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agerpres.ro/english/2014/04/14/basescu-i-m-far-from-being-an-anti-russian-11-47-34 |title=Basescu: I'm far from being an anti-Russian |publisher=AGERPRES |date=2014-04-14}}</ref> |
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===EU=== |
===EU=== |
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A document adopted by the European Parliament in March 2011 condemned Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it "non-mandated presence of the Russian military troops in the occupied regions of Georgia". The document also mentions ethnic cleansing of Georgians, non-fulfillment of the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, and talks about the necessity to |
A document adopted by the European Parliament in March 2011 condemned Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it "non-mandated presence of the Russian military troops in the occupied regions of Georgia". The document also mentions ethnic cleansing of Georgians, non-fulfillment of the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, and talks about the necessity to deploy international peacekeeping forces. It also condemned the decision of the joint Russian-Abkhaz Commission on Property Rights that violated Georgian IDPs' right to claim their property in Abkhazia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201103/20110321ATT16016/20110321ATT16016EN.pdf |title=EU–GEORGIA PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION COMMITTEE. THIRTEENTH MEETING. 15-16 March 2011. BRUSSELS |format=PDF | date=2011-03-16}}</ref> |
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In October 2011, in an official European Parliament document |
In October 2011, in an official European Parliament document, Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali region) were called occupied territories. Russian recognition of those regions and Russian military presence in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law was criticised.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2011-0374&language=EN |title=REPORT containing the European Parliament's recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (2011/2133(INI)) | date=2011-10-27}}</ref> |
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On 17 November 2011, European Parliament passed the resolution where Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized as occupied territories. The resolution noted that Russia continued "to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law; whereas ethnic cleansing and forcible demographic changes have taken place in the areas under the effective control of the occupying force, which bears the responsibility for human rights violations in these areas;" The resolution asks Russia to live up to the ceasefire agreement signed in 2008 and to guarantee EUMM full unlimited access to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The resolution also called on Russia "to reverse its recognition of the separation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, to end the occupation of those Georgian territories and to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the inviolability of its internationally-recognised borders as provided for by international law, the UN Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2011-0514 | title=European Parliament resolution of 17 November 2011 containing the European Parliament's recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (2011/2133(INI)) | date=2011-11-17}}</ref> |
On 17 November 2011, European Parliament passed the resolution where Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized as occupied territories. The resolution noted that Russia continued "to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law; whereas ethnic cleansing and forcible demographic changes have taken place in the areas under the effective control of the occupying force, which bears the responsibility for human rights violations in these areas;" The resolution asks Russia to live up to the ceasefire agreement signed in 2008 and to guarantee EUMM full unlimited access to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The resolution also called on Russia "to reverse its recognition of the separation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, to end the occupation of those Georgian territories and to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the inviolability of its internationally-recognised borders as provided for by international law, the UN Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2011-0514 | title=European Parliament resolution of 17 November 2011 containing the European Parliament's recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (2011/2133(INI)) | date=2011-11-17}}</ref> |
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===OSCE=== |
===OSCE=== |
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The [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] Parliamentary Assembly |
The [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] Parliamentary Assembly held its annual session in Monaco on 9 July 2012.<ref>[http://www.osce.org/pa/91671 Homeward bound: MPs to vote for action on displaced persons in Georgia] OSCE Parliamentary Assembly</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://dfwatch.net/osce-says-russia-is-occupying-georgian-regions-31456 | work=DFWatch | title=OSCE says Russia is occupying Georgian regions | date=2012-07-08}}</ref> It passed a resolution supporting Georgia, that urged “the Government and the Parliament of the Russian Federation, as well as the de facto authorities of Abkhazia, Georgia, and South Ossetia, Georgia, to allow the European Union Monitoring Mission unimpeded access to the occupied territories". It also says that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is “concerned about the humanitarian situation of the displaced persons both in Georgia and in the occupied territories of Abkhazia, Georgia, and South Ossetia, Georgia, as well as the denial of the right of return to their places of living.”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscepa.org/meetings/annual-sessions/2012-monaco-annual-session/2012-monaco-final-declaration/1683-15 |title=RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN GEORGIA |publisher=OSCE PA}}</ref> |
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Russian Foreign Ministry reacted harshly, saying that "the majority of deputies in the Assembly (parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE) once again don't wish to objectively accept the realities of the situation today in the Caucasus."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120714/174599415.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=Russia Condemns OSCE Report on Georgia | date=2012-07-14}}</ref> |
Russian Foreign Ministry reacted harshly, saying that "the majority of deputies in the Assembly (parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE) once again don't wish to objectively accept the realities of the situation today in the Caucasus."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120714/174599415.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=Russia Condemns OSCE Report on Georgia | date=2012-07-14}}</ref> |
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===United States=== |
===United States=== |
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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asserted that Russia is occupying parts of Georgia and building permanent military bases in contravention of the truce during a visit to Tbilisi in 2010. According to Russian news agencies, then Prime Minister of Russia [[Vladimir Putin]] commented on this statement, saying that "They [Georgians] mustn't seek solutions outside," and "It's necessary to conduct a dialogue without citing third parties."<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Huffington Post |author=Robert Burns |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/06/clinton-criticizes-russia_n_635866.html |title=Clinton Criticizes Russia For Occupying Georgia | date=2010-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher=France 24 | url=http://www.france24.com/en/20100705-georgia-occupation-russia-clinton-visit-saakashvili-abkhazia-south-ossetia-ceasefire/ |title=Clinton slams Russian 'occupation' of disputed enclaves on Georgia visit | date=2010-07-05}}</ref> |
Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] asserted that Russia is occupying parts of Georgia and building permanent military bases in contravention of the truce during a visit to Tbilisi in 2010. According to Russian news agencies, then Prime Minister of Russia [[Vladimir Putin]] commented on this statement, saying that "They [Georgians] mustn't seek solutions outside," and "It's necessary to conduct a dialogue without citing third parties."<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Huffington Post |author=Robert Burns |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/06/clinton-criticizes-russia_n_635866.html |title=Clinton Criticizes Russia For Occupying Georgia | date=2010-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher=France 24 | url=http://www.france24.com/en/20100705-georgia-occupation-russia-clinton-visit-saakashvili-abkhazia-south-ossetia-ceasefire/ |title=Clinton slams Russian 'occupation' of disputed enclaves on Georgia visit | date=2010-07-05}}</ref> |
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In December 2010, the U.S. Senate discussed a resolution |
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate discussed a draft resolution on Georgia's territorial integrity. It was prepared by [[Jeanne Shaheen]]. The draft expressed support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "regions occupied by the Russian Federation". The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Russian Foreign Ministry]] slammed a draft, saying "with regret, that the draft resolution – as well as positions of many members of the Congress – ignores the new reality, which emerged after Saakashvili’s regime unleashed its aggression in August, 2008."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://rt.com/politics/us-resolution-georgias-territorial/ | work=Russia Today | title=Russia slams US Senate resolution on Georgia's territorial integrity | date=2010-12-14}}</ref> |
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On 4 March 2011, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip |
On 4 March 2011, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, [[Philip Gordon]], said that use of term 'occupied' by Washington in reference to Abkhazia and South Ossetia was not meant to be a "provocation", but "simply description of situation on the ground."<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23206 U.S. Senior Diplomat on Term 'Occupied']. Civil Georgia. 2011-03-04.</ref> |
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In July 2011 the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) affirming U.S. support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the country of Georgia and calling upon Russia to remove its occupying forces from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. |
In July 2011 the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators [[Jeanne Shaheen]] (D-NH) and [[Lindsey Graham]] (R-SC) affirming U.S. support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the country of Georgia and calling upon Russia to remove its occupying forces from Abkhazia and South Ossetia.<ref name="shaheen.senate">[http://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/release/?id=73BEE74C-31AD-4F39-B03B-F98889B70B33 U.S. SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES SHAHEEN-GRAHAM RESOLUTION AFFIRMING U.S. SUPPORT FOR GEORGIAN SOVEREIGNTY]</ref> |
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The resolution also says that the Senate affirms “that finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a key priority for the United States in the Caucasus region and that lasting regional stability can only be achieved through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue between all parties”. |
The resolution also says that the Senate affirms “that finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a key priority for the United States in the Caucasus region and that lasting regional stability can only be achieved through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue between all parties”.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23811 'Resolution on Occupation' Passed in U.S. Senate]. Civil Georgia. 2011-07-30.</ref> |
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The U.S. senator Lindsey Graham said that “Russia’s invasion of Georgian land in 2008 was an act of aggression not only to Georgia, but to all new democracies.”<ref name="shaheen.senate" /> |
The U.S. senator Lindsey Graham said that “Russia’s invasion of Georgian land in 2008 was an act of aggression not only to Georgia, but to all new democracies.”<ref name="shaheen.senate" /> |
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Russian Foreign Ministry criticised a U.S. resolution, saying that it was "no more than PR move". Russia also said that the resolution encouraged Georgia's "revanchist sentiments |
Russian Foreign Ministry criticised a U.S. resolution, saying that it was "no more than PR move". Russia also said that the resolution encouraged Georgia's "revanchist sentiments".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20110801/165501308.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=Russia calls U.S. resolution on Georgian sovereignty 'faulty PR' | date=2011-08-01}}</ref> |
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On 20 September 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi expressed concern over "borderization" activities in Georgia along the administrative boundary lines of Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The statement called for the barriers "to be removed in accordance with Russia's commitments under the August 2008 cease-fire agreement and its obligations under international humanitarian law."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/georgia-us-breakaway-borderization/25112428.html |title=U.S. Concerned With 'Borderization' Along Lines With Georgian Breakaway Regions |date=2013-09-20 |publisher=RFE/RL}}</ref> |
On 20 September 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi expressed concern over "borderization" activities in Georgia along the administrative boundary lines of Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The statement called for the barriers "to be removed in accordance with Russia's commitments under the August 2008 cease-fire agreement and its obligations under international humanitarian law."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/georgia-us-breakaway-borderization/25112428.html |title=U.S. Concerned With 'Borderization' Along Lines With Georgian Breakaway Regions |date=2013-09-20 |publisher=RFE/RL}}</ref> |
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In October 2013, US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf denounced the erection of fences and other physical barriers by Russian security forces "along the administrative boundary lines of the occupied territories in Georgia".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131003/183911997.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=US, NATO Urge Russia to Dismantle Georgia Border Fences | date=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://freebeacon.com/national-security/state-department-condemns-russian-fence-borderization-inside-georgia/ | publisher=The Washington Free Beacon | title=State Department Condemns Russian Fence ‘Borderization’ Inside Georgia | date=2013-10-02}}</ref> |
In October 2013, US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf denounced the erection of fences and other physical barriers by Russian security forces "along the administrative boundary lines of the occupied territories in Georgia".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131003/183911997.html | work=RIA Novosti | title=US, NATO Urge Russia to Dismantle Georgia Border Fences | date=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://freebeacon.com/national-security/state-department-condemns-russian-fence-borderization-inside-georgia/ | publisher=The Washington Free Beacon | title=State Department Condemns Russian Fence ‘Borderization’ Inside Georgia | date=2013-10-02}}</ref> |
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In November 2013, US Ambassador Richard S. Williamson published an article about Georgia where he referred to Russian presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "illegal occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.american.com/archive/2013/november/georgian-elections-and-the-great-game |title=Ambassador Richard S. Williamson, Georgian Elections and 'the Great Game' |date=2013-11-08}}</ref> |
In November 2013, US Ambassador [[Richard S. Williamson]] published an article about Georgia where he referred to Russian presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "illegal occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.american.com/archive/2013/november/georgian-elections-and-the-great-game |title=Ambassador Richard S. Williamson, Georgian Elections and 'the Great Game' |date=2013-11-08}}</ref> |
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In 2014, when tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated, the US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] denounced Russia’s continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of the ceasefire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140227-usa-russia-military-intervention-ukraine-warn/ |title=US warns Russia against military intervention in Ukraine |date=2014-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Georgian News TV |url=http://www.georgianews.ge/politics/26456-we-call-on-russia-to-follow-its-obligations-under-the-2008-ceasefire-agreement-john-kerry-met-gharibashvili.html |title=“We call on Russia to follow its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement” - John Kerry met Gharibashvili |date=2014-02-27}}</ref> |
In 2014, when tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated, the US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] denounced Russia’s continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of the ceasefire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140227-usa-russia-military-intervention-ukraine-warn/ |title=US warns Russia against military intervention in Ukraine |date=2014-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Georgian News TV |url=http://www.georgianews.ge/politics/26456-we-call-on-russia-to-follow-its-obligations-under-the-2008-ceasefire-agreement-john-kerry-met-gharibashvili.html |title=“We call on Russia to follow its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement” - John Kerry met Gharibashvili |date=2014-02-27}}</ref> |
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===NATO=== |
===NATO=== |
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In November 2010, NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution containing the terms ‘occupied territories’ and ‘ethnic cleansing’ referring to Russian military presence and actions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. NATO parliamentarians urged Russia "to reverse the results of ethnic cleansing |
In November 2010, NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution containing the terms ‘occupied territories’ and ‘ethnic cleansing’ referring to Russian military presence and actions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. NATO parliamentarians urged Russia "to reverse" the results of ethnic cleansing and allow the safe return of all internally displaced persons to their homes. The Resolution condemned the tightening by Russian FSB Border Troops of procedures for crossing the Administrative Border Line, enhancement of Russia's military presence on the occupied territories as well as Russia's blocking of the extension of the OSCE and UN missions in Georgia. It urges Russia to allow EUMM unimpeded access to the entire territory of Georgia. |
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NATO Parliamentary Assembly also welcomed Georgia's State Strategy on Occupied Territories and the Action Plan for Engagement.<ref>[http://www.nato-pa.int/default.asp?SHORTCUT=2245 RESOLUTION 382 ON THE SITUATION IN GEORGIA] NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Tuesday 16 November 2010, Warsaw, Poland.</ref> |
NATO Parliamentary Assembly also welcomed Georgia's State Strategy on Occupied Territories and the Action Plan for Engagement.<ref>[http://www.nato-pa.int/default.asp?SHORTCUT=2245 RESOLUTION 382 ON THE SITUATION IN GEORGIA] NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Tuesday 16 November 2010, Warsaw, Poland.</ref> |
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In late June 2013, NATO Secretary General [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] during his visit to Georgia said that the fence-building by the Russian troops "impedes freedom of movement" and could "further inflame tensions" in the region.<ref name="tol"/> |
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On 2 October 2013, Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed concern over Moscow's activities to install fences along the administrative boundary lines of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He called for the removal of the barriers, which he said affect "the lives of those citizens of Georgia who live on either side of the administrative boundary lines." He also stated that the erection of the barriers "is in contradiction with Russia's international commitments and does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/nato-russia-georgia/25124300.html |title=NATO Concerned Over Russia-Georgia Boundary |publisher=RFE/RL |date=2013-10-02}}</ref> |
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==In media== |
==In media== |
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In August 2011, British MP [[Bruce George]] published an article in which he referred to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories "under the occupation of Russian troops".<ref>{{cite web | author=Bruce George | url=http://www.thecommentator.com/article/379/sham_elections_in_abkhazia_should_not_distract_us_from_finding_peace_in_the_caucasus |title=Sham elections in Abkhazia should not distract us from finding peace in the Caucasus |date=2011-08-18 }}</ref> |
In August 2011, British MP [[Bruce George]] published an article in which he referred to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories "under the occupation of Russian troops".<ref>{{cite web | author=Bruce George | url=http://www.thecommentator.com/article/379/sham_elections_in_abkhazia_should_not_distract_us_from_finding_peace_in_the_caucasus |title=Sham elections in Abkhazia should not distract us from finding peace in the Caucasus |date=2011-08-18 }}</ref> |
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In March 2014, [[Garry Kasparov]], Russian chess Grandmaster and political activist, wrote: |
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{{Quotation|"I noted that Putin’s invasion of Georgia took place during the Beijing Olympiad in 2008 and wondered what would dissuade him from similar action in Ukraine since Russian troops still occupy South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Georgian territories, with no visible harm to Putin’s international relations. By the way, Russia was never sanctioned by the European or the United States over Georgia, and just a few months after the brief war ended the EU restarted talks with Russia on a formal partnership and cooperation agreement."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/vladmir-putin-crimea-hitler-1938-104711.html |title=Vladimir Putin and the Lessons of 1938 |author=Garry Kasparov |date=2014-03-16}}</ref>}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 11:11, 24 May 2014
Occupied territories of Georgia (also known as Russian-occupied territories) are the territories which have been designated as occupied territories by the Government of Georgia and a major part of international community. Currently the designation refers to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territory is under Russian military occupation. Russia does not allow the EUMM monitors to enter South Ossetia and Abkhazia.[1]
Background
After the Russo-Georgian war, on 26 August 2008, the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev signed decrees recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as sovereign states.[2] Russia established diplomatic relations with both Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[3] Russian troops were placed in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Sergey Lavrov said that Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia was necessary to prevent Georgia from regaining control.[4][5] Russian security forces were deployed along the demarcation lines with Georgia.[6][7]
The Georgian parliament unanimously passed a resolution on 28 August 2008 formally declaring Abkhazia and South Ossetia Russian-occupied territories, and calling Russian troops occupying forces.[8] In late October 2008, president Mikheil Saakashvili signed into law legislation on the occupied territories passed by the Parliament of Georgia. The law covers the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and the territory of former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.[9]
After the war Russians gradually withdrew from Georgia proper, but they remained in Perevi.[10] On 12 December 2008, Russian forces withdrew from Perevi. 8 hours later, a 500-strong Russian contingent re-occupied Perevi, and Georgian police withdrew after the Russians threatened to fire.[11] On 18 October 2010, all Russian troops in Perevi withdrew to South Ossetia and a Georgian Army unit moved in.Cite error: The opening <ref>
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In April 2010, the Georgian parliament’s foreign affairs committee appealed to legislative bodies of 31 countries, asking to declare Georgia’s two regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories under Russian occupation and to recognize that the massive displacement of civilians from those regions by Russia amounts to ethnic cleansing.[12][13]
In 2013, the amendments were made to the law on occupied territories of Georgia. Violating this law first time will entail administrative sanctions, not criminal persecution and imprisonment as it was before. According to the amendments if a person crosses the border illegally first time he/she is fined for GEL 400, while repeated violation is still a criminal offense posing up to 1 year of imprisonment or minimum GEL 800 fine.[14]
In 2013, reports emerged that the actor Gérard Depardieu would be investigated by Georgian authorities for the violation of law. Georgian Government representative said that "Depardieu visited Abkhazia’s capital, Sukhumi, and met with the region's separatist leadership on July 1 without preliminary consultations with Tbilisi."[15]
Currently 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territory is considered to be under Russian military occupation. Russia does not allow the EUMM monitors to enter South Ossetia and Abkhazia in violation of the Six Point Ceasefire Agreement.[1]
Georgian law
According to the Georgian law on occupied territories, the term “the occupied territories and territorial waters” or “The Occupied Territories” covers the territories of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Tskhinvali Region (territory of the former South Ossetia Autonomous Region) and waters in the Black Sea located in the aquatic territory of the Black Sea, along Georgia’s state border with the Russian Federation, to the South of the Psou river, up to the administrative border at the estuary of the Engury River. The term also covers the air space over the aforementioned territories.
The law spells out restrictions on free movement and economic activity in the territories. In particular, according to the law, foreign citizens should enter the two breakaway regions only from Georgia. Entry into Abkhazia should be carried out from the Zugdidi District and into South Ossetia from the Gori District.
The legislation also lists special cases in which entry into the breakaway regions will not be regarded as illegal. It stipulates that a special permit on entry into the breakaway regions can be issued if the trip there "serves Georgia’s state interests; peaceful resolution of the conflict; de-occupation or humanitarian purposes." Also the citizens of foreign countries and persons without citizenship having entered Georgia from Russian side through Abkhazia and South Ossetia, who seek asylum in the country aren't subject to the punishment.
Any economic activity (entrepreneurial or non-entrepreneurial) is prohibited regardless whether or not it is implemented for receiving profit, income or compensation, if under the laws of Georgia ‘On Licenses and Permits’, ‘On Entrepreneurs’, ‘On Bee-Farming’, ‘On Museums’, ‘On Water’, ‘On Civil Registry’, ‘On Electronic Communications’, the Maritime Code of Georgia or the Civil Code of Georgia, such activity requires a license, permit, authorization or registration or if, under the Georgian legislation, such activity requires an agreement but it has not been granted. Any transaction related to real estate property and concluded in violation of the Georgian law is deemed void from the moment of conclusion and does not give rise to any legal consequences.
The law prohibits international air traffic and maritime traffic (except for the cases defined in the UN Convention on Maritime Law of 1982), railway traffic and international automobile transportation of cargo. The law also prohibits the use of national resources and organization of cash transfer. The provision covering economic activities is retroactive, going back to 1990.
The law says that the Russian Federation – the state which has carried out military occupation – is fully responsible for the violation of human rights in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian Federation, according to the document, is also responsible for compensation of material and moral damage inflicted on Georgian citizens, stateless persons and foreign citizens, who are in Georgia and enter the occupied territories with appropriate permits.
The law also says that de facto state agencies and officials operating in the occupied territories are regarded by Georgia as illegal. The law will remain in force until "full restoration of the jurisdiction of Georgia."[16]
International support
- Belarus — Belarus advised its citizens to abide by Georgian laws when travelling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Foreign Ministry of Belarus stated that Belarusians should only use entrance points on the Georgian side.[17] In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said that the recommendation of Belarusian Government was “strange”.[18]
- Azerbaijan — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement in which it called on the citizens of Azerbaijan to refrain from traveling to Abkhazia and South Ossetia without permission of Georgian authorities and warned that these trips were considered illegal and the travelers would be punished accordingly. The Ministry also referred to these territories as "territories that are out of control of its Government."[19]
- Ukraine — In connection with the adoption of the Georgian law on the occupied territories, Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has advised their citizens to fulfill the provision of international law and refuse to cross the border from the Russian side.[20][21]
Russian position
Russia claims, that "Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not occupied territories, but independent States."[22] The Russian Federation also holds that "it does not at present, nor will it in the future, exercise effective control over South Ossetia or Abkhazia" and that "it was not an occupying power". It also noted that “despite having crossed into the territory of Georgia in the course of the conflict, Russia was not an occupying power in terms of IHL.” According to Russia, the number of Russian troops stationed in South Ossetia and Abkhazia "does not allow Russia in practice to establish effective control over these territories which total 12 500 sq. kilometers in size."[23]
In June 2013 Russian Foreign Ministry asked Georgia to abolish the law on the occupied territories of Georgia. Russian deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin claimed that the abolition of the law would "create a favorable environment for cultural exchanges, above all for tourist trips."[24]
Criticism of Russian claims
Contrary to Russian claims, the report prepared by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, raised concerns that Russia "not only failed to withdraw, it expanded territory under its control beyond the pre-war conflict zones" and Russia "established a troop presence in 51 villages it did not control before the war and conducted military patrols on territory it did not previously hold".[25] The report also describes current Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia:
"Russia also deployed new weapons systems, such as attack helicopters and tanks where they did not exist before the war. By October 2010, Abkhazia and South Ossetia became host to “Smerch” type offensive rockets, “Tochka-U,” and S-21, a tactical rocket that can carry nuclear, cluster, or chemical agents up to 150 kilometers. S-300 surface to air missiles were based in Abkhazia. Russia signed 49-year lease agreements with automatic 5-year renewals in Gudauta and Tskhinvali. Russia has built 5 permanent military bases in South Ossetia manned by approximately 5,000 security personnel. Another 5,000 are based in Abkhazia. Both deployments include regular army troops, border guards and FSB personnel. Russia’s Ministry of Defense revamped its military command in the North Caucasus, linking it to Russian forces in Georgia."[25]
Russian border operations
The demarcation of the South Ossetian boundary in Shida Kartli started in 2011 with the construction of a few fences in Ditsi and Dvani, but it was stopped after local negotiations.[26]
The process of border demarcation continued in 2013.[27] Russian troops started the erection of barbed wire barriers to separate the South Ossetian territory from the rest of Georgia.[26] Border runs through several Georgian villages, effectively separating people from their farmland, ancestral homes, and cemeteries.[28] In some instances, the Georgian residents could not access their plots or come out of their homes because the border of barbed wire runs through or around their property.[26] Russian authorities have remained tight-lipped about the developments, claiming only that South Ossetia was marking out "its true territorial boundaries" in line with maps from the Soviet-era, when the province was an autonomous region within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. The Russian Foreign Ministry also dismissed Tbilisi's claim that the boundary line was being shifted further into Georgia proper and warned of "serious consequences" if Tbilisi continued what it described as "political speculation."[28] Sergey Lavrov has declared that fences across South Ossetia will no longer be needed after “hotheads cool down.”[29]
The length of the security fence along the Georgian-South Ossetian administrative boundary is 400 km.[30] The new border extends between 50-300 meters beyond the line of occupation.[31] According to Georgia’s Interior Ministry, there was no fencing activities at the administrative border of Georgia’s other breakaway region of Abkhazia, where the Enguri river serves as "a natural dividing line", but Russian troops were blocking the pathways to prevent "illegal" movement across the administrative boundary line.[32] Georgians suspect that the fence-building by the Russian military personnel is connected to the fact that their country is making steps towards close cooperation with the European Union by initiating an association agreement with the EU.[33]
In January 2014, it was announced that swathe of Abkhazian territory would be included in part of the large "security zone" being set up in advance of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In a period between January 20 and March 21, anyone entering the zone had to produce documents to police. A stationary checkpoint was established at the village of Bagripshi in Gagra district on the edge of the 11 km (seven miles) zone, which was manned by officers from the Abkhaz security service, interior ministry and migration service.[34][35] The Government of Georgia expressed "deep concern" over the "illegal expansion".[36] NATO criticized Russia on February 5 for expanding its border deeper into Georgia's Abkhazia region, a move Moscow had portrayed as a temporary step to expand a security zone around the Sochi Winter Olympics. "We have noted the recent decision to temporarily extend the so-called border zone of Abkhazia further into Georgian territory without the Georgian government's consent," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said. "We are very concerned about that decision," he told a news conference in Brussels.[37]
International position
Lithuania
The first country except Georgia to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as the territories under Russian military occupation, became Lithuania. The Lithuanian Seimas adopted a resolution in June 2010 condemning Russian aggression and occupation of Georgian territories. The resolution said that Russia’s use of the local puppet regimes to control the regions constituted a violation of international law.[38][39]
France
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said during a visit to Tbilisi in July 2010 that "Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia and Russia should withdraw its troops from those territories."[40] He also said that "the term "occupation" cannot solve the problems between Georgia and Russia" while answering questions from journalists.[41]
In May 2014, President François Hollande had three-day trip to South Caucasus countries and finished by visiting Georgia on 13 May. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Georgian counterpart Giorgi Margvelashvili, he said that Georgia’s territories remain occupied and the cease-fire agreement is not fully respected.[42] "France did everything for the agreement to be reached and the conflict to stop. However we see today that occupation still exists and Georgia still has to regain territorial integrity," Hollande said while speaking about the 2008 Georgia-Russia war.[43]
Romania
In March 2014, the President of Romania Traian Basescu at the presentation of the Defence Ministry’s annual report declared: "We can no longer see the incidents of 2008, when the Russian Federation occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as isolated occurrences. Ukraine was next, so all politicians and all military strategists are bound to ask, who will follow. Could it be Transdniestr, could it be the Republic of Moldova? These are questions anyone may ask. The unpredictability of the Russian Federation prompts us to look at various scenarios and response options."[44]
Basescu told Realitatea TV broadcaster on 13 April 2014 that the Russian forces control the Black Sea "almost in its entirety, through controling all these frozen conflicts." He also said that "In Transnistria they occupy Moldovan territory, in Crimea they occupy Ukrainian territory, in Georgia they occupy Georgian territory, South Ossetia and Abkhazia..."[45]
EU
A document adopted by the European Parliament in March 2011 condemned Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it "non-mandated presence of the Russian military troops in the occupied regions of Georgia". The document also mentions ethnic cleansing of Georgians, non-fulfillment of the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, and talks about the necessity to deploy international peacekeeping forces. It also condemned the decision of the joint Russian-Abkhaz Commission on Property Rights that violated Georgian IDPs' right to claim their property in Abkhazia.[46]
In October 2011, in an official European Parliament document, Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali region) were called occupied territories. Russian recognition of those regions and Russian military presence in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law was criticised.[47]
On 17 November 2011, European Parliament passed the resolution where Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized as occupied territories. The resolution noted that Russia continued "to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law; whereas ethnic cleansing and forcible demographic changes have taken place in the areas under the effective control of the occupying force, which bears the responsibility for human rights violations in these areas;" The resolution asks Russia to live up to the ceasefire agreement signed in 2008 and to guarantee EUMM full unlimited access to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The resolution also called on Russia "to reverse its recognition of the separation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, to end the occupation of those Georgian territories and to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the inviolability of its internationally-recognised borders as provided for by international law, the UN Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions."[48]
In November 2013, European Commission mentioned the term "occupied territories" in the report to describe Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[49]
In February 2014, European Parliament adopted the resolution regarding EU-Russia summit. The EP members called on Russia to fulfil unconditionally all the provisions of the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement. The resolution condemned Russian actions in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in particular the creation of barbed-wire fences. The resolution also noted that "the unresolved Russia-Georgia conflict is hampering the stability and development of Georgia."[50]
Council of Europe
In April 2014, the Council of Europe adopted a resolution that condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. The council's assembly withdrew the voting rights of Russia's 18-member delegation until the end of 2014. The resolution was adopted by 145 votes to 21, with 22 abstentions.[51] The resolution also criticised Russia for its military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, saying that Russian Federation failed to implement CoE Resolutions 1633 (2008), 1647 (2009) and 1683 (2009) on the consequences of the Russo-Georgian war and Russian troops still occupy the Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Assembly also criticised the refusal of the Russian Federation to allow EU monitors and to reverse ethnic cleansing.[52][53]
OSCE
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held its annual session in Monaco on 9 July 2012.[54][55] It passed a resolution supporting Georgia, that urged “the Government and the Parliament of the Russian Federation, as well as the de facto authorities of Abkhazia, Georgia, and South Ossetia, Georgia, to allow the European Union Monitoring Mission unimpeded access to the occupied territories". It also says that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is “concerned about the humanitarian situation of the displaced persons both in Georgia and in the occupied territories of Abkhazia, Georgia, and South Ossetia, Georgia, as well as the denial of the right of return to their places of living.”[56]
Russian Foreign Ministry reacted harshly, saying that "the majority of deputies in the Assembly (parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE) once again don't wish to objectively accept the realities of the situation today in the Caucasus."[57]
United States
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asserted that Russia is occupying parts of Georgia and building permanent military bases in contravention of the truce during a visit to Tbilisi in 2010. According to Russian news agencies, then Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin commented on this statement, saying that "They [Georgians] mustn't seek solutions outside," and "It's necessary to conduct a dialogue without citing third parties."[58][59]
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate discussed a draft resolution on Georgia's territorial integrity. It was prepared by Jeanne Shaheen. The draft expressed support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "regions occupied by the Russian Federation". The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed a draft, saying "with regret, that the draft resolution – as well as positions of many members of the Congress – ignores the new reality, which emerged after Saakashvili’s regime unleashed its aggression in August, 2008."[60]
On 4 March 2011, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Gordon, said that use of term 'occupied' by Washington in reference to Abkhazia and South Ossetia was not meant to be a "provocation", but "simply description of situation on the ground."[61]
In July 2011 the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) affirming U.S. support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the country of Georgia and calling upon Russia to remove its occupying forces from Abkhazia and South Ossetia.[62] The resolution also says that the Senate affirms “that finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a key priority for the United States in the Caucasus region and that lasting regional stability can only be achieved through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue between all parties”.[63] The U.S. senator Lindsey Graham said that “Russia’s invasion of Georgian land in 2008 was an act of aggression not only to Georgia, but to all new democracies.”[62] Russian Foreign Ministry criticised a U.S. resolution, saying that it was "no more than PR move". Russia also said that the resolution encouraged Georgia's "revanchist sentiments".[64]
On 20 September 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi expressed concern over "borderization" activities in Georgia along the administrative boundary lines of Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The statement called for the barriers "to be removed in accordance with Russia's commitments under the August 2008 cease-fire agreement and its obligations under international humanitarian law."[65]
In October 2013, US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf denounced the erection of fences and other physical barriers by Russian security forces "along the administrative boundary lines of the occupied territories in Georgia".[66][67]
In November 2013, US Ambassador Richard S. Williamson published an article about Georgia where he referred to Russian presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "illegal occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia".[68]
In 2014, when tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated, the US Secretary of State John Kerry denounced Russia’s continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of the ceasefire.[69][70]
NATO
In November 2010, NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution containing the terms ‘occupied territories’ and ‘ethnic cleansing’ referring to Russian military presence and actions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. NATO parliamentarians urged Russia "to reverse" the results of ethnic cleansing and allow the safe return of all internally displaced persons to their homes. The Resolution condemned the tightening by Russian FSB Border Troops of procedures for crossing the Administrative Border Line, enhancement of Russia's military presence on the occupied territories as well as Russia's blocking of the extension of the OSCE and UN missions in Georgia. It urges Russia to allow EUMM unimpeded access to the entire territory of Georgia. NATO Parliamentary Assembly also welcomed Georgia's State Strategy on Occupied Territories and the Action Plan for Engagement.[71]
In late June 2013, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during his visit to Georgia said that the fence-building by the Russian troops "impedes freedom of movement" and could "further inflame tensions" in the region.[26]
On 2 October 2013, Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed concern over Moscow's activities to install fences along the administrative boundary lines of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He called for the removal of the barriers, which he said affect "the lives of those citizens of Georgia who live on either side of the administrative boundary lines." He also stated that the erection of the barriers "is in contradiction with Russia's international commitments and does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict."[72]
In media
Many international journalists and media companies, such as Fox News, Al Jazeera and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty have referred to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as Russian occupied territories.[73][74][75]
In August 2011, British MP Bruce George published an article in which he referred to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as territories "under the occupation of Russian troops".[76]
In March 2014, Garry Kasparov, Russian chess Grandmaster and political activist, wrote:
"I noted that Putin’s invasion of Georgia took place during the Beijing Olympiad in 2008 and wondered what would dissuade him from similar action in Ukraine since Russian troops still occupy South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Georgian territories, with no visible harm to Putin’s international relations. By the way, Russia was never sanctioned by the European or the United States over Georgia, and just a few months after the brief war ended the EU restarted talks with Russia on a formal partnership and cooperation agreement."[77]
See also
- 2008 Georgia–Russia crisis
- International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
- Controversy over Abkhazian and South Ossetian independence
- Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia
- Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in South Ossetia
- Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia
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