Russia’s occupant actions highlighted at UN assembly
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Monday, September 25
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stressed in his speech at the 72nd UN General Assembly that the organization members are well aware that Russia continues to occupy two historic regions of Georgia's sovereign territory in violation of its many international obligations, including dozens of Security Council and UNGA resolutions.
Kvirikashvili stated that since the beginning of 2017, Russia has intensified its policy of occupation and annexation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.
“It has implemented so-called integration treaties and signed so-called agreements with de-facto authorities to absorb Georgia's occupied regions into Russia's military, political, economic and social systems and accelerated its military build-up in both occupied regions of Georgia,” Kvirikashvili stated.
Kvirikashvili continued on to say that Russia has intensified the fortification of the occupation lines by installing razor wire fences, trenches, so-called "border signs," and other artificial barriers.
“Families have even suffered razor wires cutting through their dwellings or farmyards,” the PM said.
Kvirikashvili underlined that vulnerable groups, such as people in need of medical care and schoolchildren attempting to get an education in their native language, prohibited in the occupied regions, have been blocked by closed crossing points.
“Meanwhile, Russia continues to install motion detectors and other technologies to assert full control of all crossings along the occupation line,” the PM said.
The PM stressed that Georgia is firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict.
“The Georgian Government complies with the EU mediated Ceasefire Agreement. It has many times reaffirmed its adherence to legally binding non-use of force,” Kvirikashvili stated.
The Georgian official stated that despite the challenges, Georgia is a significant contributor to Euro-Atlantic security.
“Our strategic partnership with the United States has proved to be key for our development and stability and we are committed to deepening our ties further. The EU in its Global Strategy has recognized Georgia's success as prosperous, peaceful and stable democracy, significant contributor in its neighborhood,” Kvirikashvili said.
The PM stated that the current Georgian government’s key priority were its citizens, protecting their rights and ensuring their welfare.
The PM briefed the international community on Georgia’s economic achievements and planned reforms for better governance, infrastructure, economy and education.
