The OSCE Group of Friends of Georgia has reaffirmed its ‘unwavering support’ to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty at the 25th Ministerial Council meeting in Milan, Italy.
The statement was supported by Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, UK and the US and was delivered by the Foreign Minister of Canada, Chrystia Freeland.
“We believe that a peaceful resolution of Russia-Georgia conflict would have a transformative effect not only on Georgia but on the region as a whole. We express our deep concern over the increase of Russia’s military exercises and its further military buildup in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. Continuous violations of the EU mediated 12 August, 2008 ceasefire agreement by Russia destabilizes situation and harms those principles and norms upon which our security depends,” Freeland stated.
The statement was assessed by Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani as ‘very important’ since it is related to the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia.
“The OSCE documents will mention the Otkhozoria-Tatunashvili list first time ever and also emphasise that this terrible murder is unacceptable. Adequate measures need to be carried out by the OSCE and member countries against those people who committed such crime,” Zalkaliani said.
While attending the OSCE ministerial council meeting Zalkaliani has also met with the Secretary General of the organisation, Thomas Greminger.
“The two parties have once again expressed their support to the Geneva international discussions format and emphasised the importance of the OSCE’s involvement in it. They have also touched the complicated humanitarian and security situation in the occupied territories of Georgia emphasising the need of allowance of the OSCE observing mechanisms there,” MFA said in a statement today.