We call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 cease-fire agreement, to withdraw its forces from their pre-conflict positions, – US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a statement.
Anthony Blinken released his statement regarding the war of August 2008 and noted that the support of the Georgian people for the country’s Euro-Atlantic future and the search for a peaceful resolution for the conflict is unwavering.
“Sixteen years have passed since Russia invaded the independent state of Georgia, and we remember those who were killed, wounded, or forcibly displaced as a result of Russia’s military campaign and illegal occupation,” he wrote.
“To this day, Russia continues to occupy 20 percent of Georgia’s territory and impose its will on its people, including demanding the transfer of strategically important lands in Abkhazia to Russia and taking steps to establish a permanent naval base in Ochamchire.
“The United States remains steadfast in its support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
“We call on Russia to fulfill its promises and obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, withdraw its forces from pre-conflict positions and allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
“Also, we call on Russia to recall the recognition of independence of the so-called Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia. These actions will allow tens of thousands of internally displaced persons to return safely to their homes. The support of the United States for the Euro-Atlantic future of the Georgian people and the search for a peaceful resolution of the conflict is unwavering,” said Blinken’s statement.
16 years have passed since the August war.
In the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, 170 employees of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, 14 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 224 civilians were killed. The total number of wounded and injured civilian and military persons is 2,232, among them, 1,045 persons are military personnel.
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