UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Georgia

On 19 August 2008, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grigol Vashadze met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

The sides discussed the issues of Russia’s military intervention in Georgia and assistance for internally displaced persons emerging as a consequence. The focus of discussions was the rendering of humanitarian assistance to the affected people.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed his readiness to provide maximum amount of assistance, both material and human resources, to Georgia. Mr. Guterres pledged support in ensuring unconditional and dignified return of displaced persons.

The Georgian side underlined that the Russian Federation is engaged in deliberate efforts to destroy Georgian infrastructure with the use of military means at its disposal. The Russian side tries to legalize the consequences of the occupation. In the final analysis, it is obvious that Russia has taken up a path of military aggression and ethnic cleansing in its foreign policy.

The sides agreed to continue consultations with respect to the aforesaid issues.