Mr. Chairperson,

My delegation has joined the statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia 10 years since the Russian military invasion of Georgia and aligned to the EU statement in this regard.

In my national capacity, I would like to make few remarks quoting the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, which was made on the occasion of the 10^th anniversary since the beginning of the direct armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Georgia.

“Defying the generally accepted norms and principles of international law, the armed forces of the Russian Federation grossly violated the internationally recognized borders and invaded on the sovereign territory of Georgia. Ukraine reaffirms once again its consistent and resolute support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as its commitment to the strategic partnership between our states.

In particular, Ukraine supports the latest peace initiative of the Government of Georgia “A Step to a Better Future” aimed at settling the conflict and reconciliation.

Ukraine calls upon the Russian Federation to live up to its obligations under the August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement; withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Georgia – (Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region) and take other necessary steps to demilitarize and de-occupy these territories.

The Russian Federation bears full responsibility for the precarious humanitarian situation in the occupied territories and should provide an immediate and unhindered access to international humanitarian and human rights organizations to these territories.

Ukraine appeals to the mediators of the Geneva International Discussions – the EU, the OSCE, the United Nations and the United States and the entire international community to continue to make efforts to resolve the Russian-Georgian conflict”.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.