Apr 29, 2011

Catherine Ashton concerned about Lavrov`s visit to Georgia`s occupied regions

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued a statement regarding Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov`s visit to Georgia`s occupied regions of Abkhazia(Apkhazeti) and South Ossetia(the real name of the latter region is Samachablo).

“The European Union notes with concern that Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation, Sergey Lavrov, has paid a visit to the Georgian regions of Abkhazia(Apkhazeti) and South Ossetia(Samachablo) on 25 and 26 April 2011, without prior consent of the Georgian authorities.

"The EU does not consider these visits compatible with the principle of territorial integrity.

"The EU reiterates its support for Georgia`s sovereignty and territorial integrity and underlines the importance of a peaceful conflict resolution in full respect of the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders", the statement says.

We want to remind the reader that since 2008, Russia is occupying 20% of Georgian territory. More than 500,000 inhabitants of these territories have been driven out and only after that, 'independence'  was claimed. Russian leaders regularly visit the regions to encourage the criminal leadership there and support them with weapons and finances. Georgia demands demilitarization and an end to the occupation of Abkhazia(Apkhazeti) and South Ossetia (the real name of the latter region is Samachablo).