Georgia’s MFA states Russia’s military training poses a threat for the whole region
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, August 21
The Georgian Foreign Ministry (MFA) has called upon the international community, in particular the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions to duly assess the Russia’s recent military trainings on the Georgia’s de-facto regions of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and Abkhazia, which are said to continue for a month and finalise for September 18.
The Ministry stressed that the training, which involves more than 2,000 troops and over 5,00 pieces of special communications equipment, were of a provocative nature and in defiance of international legislation.
“Russian actions are posing a threat to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the MFA statement reads.
Based on the Russia’s Defense Ministry webpage, Georgia’s MFA has stressed that the exercises involved the use of such modern weapons as the Grad-M, Uragan and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems; 152-mm and 122-mm towed howitzer pieces: Msta-Ñ and D-30; towed artillery piece: Nona and other military systems.
“In parallel to military exercises, Russia continues to violate Georgia-controlled airspace. In particular, on 19 August, at 10:57am, Russian military MI-8 helicopter entered Georgian-controlled airspace from the occupied Khelchua village and flew over the Zardiaantkari village in Gori.
“After violating Georgian airspace, the helicopter continued moving towards occupied Akhalgori,” MFA said.
The Ministry demanded from the Russian Federation to comply with the fundamental principles of international law, as well as with the international commitments undertaken by Russia, including under the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008, and to de-occupy the Georgian territories.
Meanwhile de-facto regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to speak about a “visa free” travel to each other.
De-facto Abkhazia has already opened “an embassy” in Tskhinvali.
The Georgian officials have assessed the fact as “not serious” while the opposition United National Movement has criticized the government “for their loyalty” towards the occupant.
The opposition said that the current authorities fail to use the international community for to oppose the Russian actions.
