Madame Chairperson,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered under this agenda item by the Delegation of the European Union. At the same time, I would also like to add some remarks in the national capacity.

The Delegation of Ukraine warmly welcomes the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions to the Permanent Council and thanks them for their comprehensive address.

GID has been created as a key international mechanism for finding solution to the 2008 conflict in Georgia as well as for solving the problems of conflict affected population on the ground. At the same time, we believe that any progress within relevant efforts could be only reached provided that the parties to the conflict show their political will in this regard.

Unfortunately, the Russian Federation, as a party to the conflict, continues to obstruct the negotiation process by continued and intentional unwillingness to implement its obligations under the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement and withdraw its armed formations and occupation administrations from the temporarily occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. 

Constantly demonstrated refusal by the Russian Federation and its proxies to discuss issues related to internally displaced persons and refugees within the GID negotiation process is just another manifestation of Moscow’s real approach to the aftertime of thousands of the conflict affected people in Georgia, who continue suffering from further deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Russia-occupied territories of Georgia as well as from illegal detentions and restrictions of freedom of movement along and across the occupation line.

To deal with these and other issues in more sustainable way it is important to restore the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, which remains suspended since 2018, as soon as possible and without any preconditions.

Ongoing illegal activities by the Russian Federation aimed at further militarization and de-facto annexation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali severely undermine efforts on the politico-diplomatic track. Moreover, Moscow continues attempting to unilaterally define the Georgian-Russian state border along the segment of the mentioned occupied Georgian territories and illegally incorporate a part of Aibga village of Gagra District into Krasnodar Krai in breach of core norms and principles of international law.

Recent illegal holding of the Russian Parliamentary Elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions was just another blatant violation of the international law and Georgian sovereignty over its internationally recognized territory by the Russian Federation.

Madam Chairperson,

Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing occupation of the parts of Georgian territory by the Russian Federation. Full and unconditional de-occupation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali by Russia is the primary prerequisite for real progress in the conflict resolution process, ensuring human rights and freedoms and for stability and prosperity in the region.

Reestablishment of the meaningful OSCE’s presence in Georgia, capable to operate within the internationally recognized Georgian territory without any restrictions, could significantly contribute to reducing tensions on the ground and supporting affected population.

Having unilaterally reaffirmed the non-use of force commitments, Georgia has demonstrated its political will to solve the conflict in a peaceful politico-diplomatic way. It is high time for Russia, as a party to the conflict, to reciprocate Georgia’s constructive approach.

We also urge the Russian Federation to comply fully with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation in August 2008 and its consequences.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

Thank you, Madame Chairperson.