Russia denies signing the peace deal
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Monday, August 15
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has released a statement saying they never signed a ceasefire agreement with Georgia after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.
The Ministry stressed it was a “mythical” deal frequently mentioned by Georgia, which “failed to get used to the new reality” about the existence of two independent states on its “former territory”.
The Russian body voiced this in response to a recent statement by Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to the eight anniversary of the August War, which stressed that Russia had violated all international laws in declaring war and continued to break the Russia-Georgia ceasefire deal signed on August 12 2008 through the mediation of France.
Georgia’s MFA also said that “despite Russia’s provocative steps, the Government of Georgia firmly follows the peaceful conflict resolution policy”.
“Georgia remains committed to active engagement in the Geneva International Discussions, aimed at resolving the outstanding security and humanitarian issues between Georgia and Russia in accordance with the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. The Government of Georgia will further continue its rational policy towards Russia and will use all available diplomatic and political tools to resolve the conflict through peaceful means,” the Georgian body stated.
The six-point ceasefire agreement signed both by Russia and Georgia declared: 'No use of force is permissable; a definitive halt to hostilities; provision of free access to humanitarian assistance; Georgian military forces must withdraw to their usual positions; the Russian armed forces will be pulled back behind the line preceding the start of hostilities; while awaiting an international mechanism, Russian peacekeeping forces will implement additional security measures; launching of international discussions on security and stability modalities will begin in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
“We are forced to once again remind Georgia that no such agreement exists. In reality it is six principles on how conflicts might be regulated, which was drafted by the Russian and French Presidents and were separately sent to the Georgian, Abkhazian and South Ossetian sides to sign,” the Russia’s MFA said.
The body added that Georgia could not “adequately understand the reality” and recognise there were two independent republics on its “former territory” directing their own foreign and domestic policies.
The statement also critisized Ukraine for supporting Georgia and voicing its solidarity with the country.
The Georgian opposition said Russia continued its aggressive rhetoric to Georgia.
