US condemns Russia’s actions

The Georgian bureau of the Voice of America has published an interview with United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Carpenter with regards to the 8th anniversary of the Russo-Georgian war of 2008.

The interview focuses on how the five-day war changed Georgia and how it affected the region's politics. According to Michael Carpenter, the 2008 war and the conflict in Ukraine were the most similar among the multitude of conflicts that broke out after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“In Crimea, Russia broke essentially every international law, violated the sovereignty and border of a neighbouring country, as well as the fundamental principles of the United Nations, the 1991 European Charter and the Helsinki Act,” Carpenter said.

According to him, Russia displayed a similar disregard for international law with its invasion of Georgia in 2008.

“The US continues to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said in relation to the 8th anniversary of the Georgia-Russia war.

According to him, the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia is unacceptable.

“The United States remains steadfast in our support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia’s occupation and militarization of parts of Georgia’s territory are unacceptable. We continue to call on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions and allowing unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian supplies,” said John Kerry.

Speaking about the August 8 events, Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Davit Usupashvili said Georgia cannot and will not reintegrate its lost territories by force, even with its NATO and foreign allies, but likewise Georgia will not be able to protect the rest of the country without NATO.

Georgia needs the support of the international community to became part of a strong security umbrella for the country to feel safe and develop.