Mr. Chairperson,

Ukrainian delegation warmly welcomes the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, H.E. Mr. Lasha Darsalia at the Permanent Council meeting today and thanks him for updating us on the current security and human rights situation with regard to the Russia-Georgia conflict.

The illegal occupation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali already eleven years after the Russian military aggression started against neighboring sovereign state and already sixth consecutive year against Ukraine continues to reflect Russia`s flagrant defiance of norms of international law and OSCE principles and commitments, as well as the EU mediated 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. In this regard we must continue to remind Russia that fulfilment of the OSCE principles and commitments remains a key of sustainable peace and security in the OSCE region.

We are deeply concerned with deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied regions, including the “borderisation” activities carried out by the Russian occupation administration in Tskhinvali region of Georgia. In this regard we call on Russia to immediately fulfill its international obligations and to ensure due respect of the human rights of all individuals, as well as the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of IDPs and refugees, as the most vulnerable individuals.

 Such aggressive and provocative activity of the Russian Federation in relation to its sovereign neighbors Georgia and Ukraine testifies the continuation of the Kremlin`s international policy aimed at destabilizing the situation in the Black Sea region and undermining the whole European security.

Ukraine calls upon the Russian Federation to fulfill its commitments under the international law as well as steadfastly adhere to the international norms, standards and principles of the OSCE and withdraw all its armed formations and occupation administrations from the temporarily occupied territories of the sovereign and independent states of Georgia and Ukraine.

In conclusion, let me reiterate Ukraine`s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.