European countries at the UN Security Council issued a joint statement condemning the occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They called on Moscow to withdraw its troops and respect Georgia's sovereignty. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The document was presented on behalf of Denmark, France, Greece, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Austria, and Portugal by the Latvian representative to the UN, Oleg Ilgis. European officials noted that the 2008 invasion of Georgia marked the beginning of the Kremlin’s aggressive foreign policy.
Systemic human rights abuses and militarization
Participants at the meeting stated that Russia’s actions violate international law. In particular, they highlighted the illegal militarization of the regions, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the persecution of the local population based on ethnicity.
The statement also mentioned violations of educational rights and the destruction of cultural heritage. European diplomats emphasized that Russia blocks access for international observers to the occupied territories, despite rulings by the European Court of Human Rights.
Call for compliance with agreements
“We once again call on Russia to fully implement the 2008 ceasefire agreement and to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory without delay,” the official statement reads. The appeal was made during closed UN Security Council consultations on the security situation in the region.
Illustrative photo: UK Mission to the UN New York/Lorey Campese / CC BY 2.0
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