Question: How would you comment on the statement by spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry A. Nesterenko that the Georgian Authorities are allegedly creating problems for Russian citizens intending to return to Russia?
Answer: Mr. Nesterenko’s statement is yet another piece of misinformation. The Georgian Authorities have caused no restriction or hindrance for Russian citizens in terms of movement throughout or departure from the territory of Georgia.
Besides, the Georgian Foreign Ministry posted on 11 August 2008 a press release indicating a contact person of the Ministry, whom Russian citizens can address in case they are faced with problems in returning to the country of their origin.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has so far been contacted by five persons appealing for help in arranging their departure to Russia. All the five persons received due assistance.
Given below are details of the contact person - Director of the Department of Russia Irakli Toronjadze:
Telephone numbers
(cellular): 995 95 500 825
(office): 995 32 284 615
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Deputy Minister and German Ambassador meet
On the 2nd of September 2008 a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mr. Grigol Vashadze and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Georgia Mrs. Patricia Flor.
The sides discussed the current situation of Georgian-Russian military confrontation and the numerous facts of ethnic cleansing performed by the support of the Russian side against Georgian population.
The Georgian side reconfirmed that the integration to the European and Euro-Atlantic structures remains as the key priority of the Georgian foreign policy, despite the fact that this inspiration was one of the main reasons of Russian uncovered aggression against Georgia.
The results of the EU Summit held on the 1st of September in Brussels were also discussed during the meeting.
The sides discussed the current situation of Georgian-Russian military confrontation and the numerous facts of ethnic cleansing performed by the support of the Russian side against Georgian population.
The Georgian side reconfirmed that the integration to the European and Euro-Atlantic structures remains as the key priority of the Georgian foreign policy, despite the fact that this inspiration was one of the main reasons of Russian uncovered aggression against Georgia.
The results of the EU Summit held on the 1st of September in Brussels were also discussed during the meeting.
Deputy Minister and U.S. Ambassador meet
On 2 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Georgia John Tefft.
The sides discussed the existing situation in Georgia, aggression and ethnic cleansing conducted by Russia and the results of the EU Extraordinary Summit held in Brussels on 1 September.
The sides discussed the existing situation in Georgia, aggression and ethnic cleansing conducted by Russia and the results of the EU Extraordinary Summit held in Brussels on 1 September.
Statement of Mr. T. Iakobashvili, the State Minister for Reintegration
The Parliament and Government of Georgia made most important decision with regard to the conflicts in the territory of my country, the military aggression of Russian Federation against Georgia, the attempt to depose democratically elected Government of my country, as well as partial occupation and ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories of Georgia.
Through its actions, the Russian Federation has destroyed all peace formats that were envisaged by documents passed at bilateral level and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
In conformity with paragraph 1 of Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia ‘On Peace-Keeping Forces Deployed in the Territory of Georgia’ (N3483 of 18 July 2006), on 29 August 2008 the Government of Georgia passed Ordinance N552 aimed at commencing due procedures to promptly terminate so-called ‘peacekeeping operations’ carried out in Abkhazia and former South Ossetian autonomous province, and to immediately withdraw armed forces of the Russian Federation from the entire territory of Georgia.
Following the aforesaid decision and in accordance with paragraph 1 of the Decision by the CIS State Heads Council’s ‘On Presence of Joint Peacekeeping Forces in the Conflict Zone in Abkhazia, Georgia and Further Conflict Settlement Measures” of 7 August 2003, Georgia declared termination of the CIS peacekeeping operation in Abkhazia, Georgia (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the CIS Executive Council N7/244-10 of 01.09.2008).
Besides, in conformity with the decision under review, Georgia unilaterally declared termination of the Agreement ‘On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June, 1992 and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the peacekeepers (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation N6/4141-10 of 01.09.2008).
These decisions of the Parliament and Government of Georgia are strongly motivated by the most recent events, namely, a full-scale military aggression and intervention carried out by the Russian Federation against Georgia and occupation of significant parts of the territory of my country and ethnic cleansing committed in the occupied territory of Georgia. First of all, this is about Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, but currently the Russian military forces are also occupying other areas of Georgia that are located beyond the conflict zones.
While the Georgian side remains committed to the 6-point ceasefire agreement brokered by President of France and signed by Presidents of Georgia and the Russian Federation, the Russian side continuously violates its contractual obligation under the agreement, in particular regarding to withdraw its military forces to the lines held prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia. Distorting the essence of the above agreement and contradicting to explanations provided by the President of France, the Russian side keeps retaining illegal military presence both within the conflict zones and far beyond them.
Moreover, on 26 August 2008 President of Russia D. Medvedev, with the violation of the aforementioned agreement issued an order on the recognition of independence of the so-called "republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”. .
These actions of Russia are the result of the aggression policy against Georgia carried out by Russian Federation since 1992 through its client separatist regimes on the territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.
By unilateral recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation violated fundamental principles and norms of international law, namely, the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, non-interference in internal affairs of another state and respect for human rights and freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act (1975).
The actions of the Russian Federation also contradict the UN Security Council’s resolutions recognizing the territorial integrity of Georgia: 876 (1993), 881 (1993), 892 (1993), 896 (1994), 906 (1994), 937 (1994), 971 (1995), 993 (1995), 1036 (1996), 1065 (1996), 1096 (1997), 1124 (1997), 1150 (1998), 1187 (1998), 1225 (1999), 1255 (1999), 1287 (2000), 1311 (2000), 1339 (2001), 1364 (2001), 1393 (2002), 1427 (2002), 1462 (2003), 1494 (2003), 1524 (2004), 1554 (2004), 1582 (2005), 1615 (2005), 1666 (2006), 1752 (2007), 1781 (2007), 1808 (2008). Its important to note that until recently, allegedly formally the Russian Federation was among supporters of all these resolutions.
In attempt to justify its actions by deliberately misinterpreting the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the Russian Federation gravely violates the basics of the contemporary international system. It is an attempt to unilaterally alter the borders of a sovereign State with use of military force and reestablish its spheres of influence and dividing new lines in Europe. These actions of the Russian Federation are aimed at putting a stop to democratic development of the countries in the region and usher them in a soviet totalitarianism era.
The Russian Federation has used and is using ethnic cleansing of Georgian population as an instrument of its foreign policy. Having emptied the occupied territories of ethnic Georgians, the Russian Federation later claims that the remaining minority in these regions objects to living within the state of Georgia. It is remarkable that after the "recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia” by the Russian side, the ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population has become more intense not only in the conflict zones, but beyond them.
Through military aggression against and occupation of the part of sovereign territory of Georgia and by recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation has demonstrated to the international community that it is a party to the conflict and has no legal, political and moral grounds to pose as facilitator in the peace process aimed at peaceful solving of conflicts in Georgia.
It must be stressed that Georgia is not terminating the peace process as we understand the importance of its continuity. Our proposal is to replace negotiation and peacekeeping formats, which have been destroyed following the military aggression of Russia, with neutral international peacekeeping mechanisms.
The Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement achieved with the mediation of President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of the President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.
Through its actions, the Russian Federation has destroyed all peace formats that were envisaged by documents passed at bilateral level and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
In conformity with paragraph 1 of Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia ‘On Peace-Keeping Forces Deployed in the Territory of Georgia’ (N3483 of 18 July 2006), on 29 August 2008 the Government of Georgia passed Ordinance N552 aimed at commencing due procedures to promptly terminate so-called ‘peacekeeping operations’ carried out in Abkhazia and former South Ossetian autonomous province, and to immediately withdraw armed forces of the Russian Federation from the entire territory of Georgia.
Following the aforesaid decision and in accordance with paragraph 1 of the Decision by the CIS State Heads Council’s ‘On Presence of Joint Peacekeeping Forces in the Conflict Zone in Abkhazia, Georgia and Further Conflict Settlement Measures” of 7 August 2003, Georgia declared termination of the CIS peacekeeping operation in Abkhazia, Georgia (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the CIS Executive Council N7/244-10 of 01.09.2008).
Besides, in conformity with the decision under review, Georgia unilaterally declared termination of the Agreement ‘On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June, 1992 and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the peacekeepers (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation N6/4141-10 of 01.09.2008).
These decisions of the Parliament and Government of Georgia are strongly motivated by the most recent events, namely, a full-scale military aggression and intervention carried out by the Russian Federation against Georgia and occupation of significant parts of the territory of my country and ethnic cleansing committed in the occupied territory of Georgia. First of all, this is about Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, but currently the Russian military forces are also occupying other areas of Georgia that are located beyond the conflict zones.
While the Georgian side remains committed to the 6-point ceasefire agreement brokered by President of France and signed by Presidents of Georgia and the Russian Federation, the Russian side continuously violates its contractual obligation under the agreement, in particular regarding to withdraw its military forces to the lines held prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia. Distorting the essence of the above agreement and contradicting to explanations provided by the President of France, the Russian side keeps retaining illegal military presence both within the conflict zones and far beyond them.
Moreover, on 26 August 2008 President of Russia D. Medvedev, with the violation of the aforementioned agreement issued an order on the recognition of independence of the so-called "republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”. .
These actions of Russia are the result of the aggression policy against Georgia carried out by Russian Federation since 1992 through its client separatist regimes on the territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.
By unilateral recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation violated fundamental principles and norms of international law, namely, the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, non-interference in internal affairs of another state and respect for human rights and freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act (1975).
The actions of the Russian Federation also contradict the UN Security Council’s resolutions recognizing the territorial integrity of Georgia: 876 (1993), 881 (1993), 892 (1993), 896 (1994), 906 (1994), 937 (1994), 971 (1995), 993 (1995), 1036 (1996), 1065 (1996), 1096 (1997), 1124 (1997), 1150 (1998), 1187 (1998), 1225 (1999), 1255 (1999), 1287 (2000), 1311 (2000), 1339 (2001), 1364 (2001), 1393 (2002), 1427 (2002), 1462 (2003), 1494 (2003), 1524 (2004), 1554 (2004), 1582 (2005), 1615 (2005), 1666 (2006), 1752 (2007), 1781 (2007), 1808 (2008). Its important to note that until recently, allegedly formally the Russian Federation was among supporters of all these resolutions.
In attempt to justify its actions by deliberately misinterpreting the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the Russian Federation gravely violates the basics of the contemporary international system. It is an attempt to unilaterally alter the borders of a sovereign State with use of military force and reestablish its spheres of influence and dividing new lines in Europe. These actions of the Russian Federation are aimed at putting a stop to democratic development of the countries in the region and usher them in a soviet totalitarianism era.
The Russian Federation has used and is using ethnic cleansing of Georgian population as an instrument of its foreign policy. Having emptied the occupied territories of ethnic Georgians, the Russian Federation later claims that the remaining minority in these regions objects to living within the state of Georgia. It is remarkable that after the "recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia” by the Russian side, the ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population has become more intense not only in the conflict zones, but beyond them.
Through military aggression against and occupation of the part of sovereign territory of Georgia and by recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation has demonstrated to the international community that it is a party to the conflict and has no legal, political and moral grounds to pose as facilitator in the peace process aimed at peaceful solving of conflicts in Georgia.
It must be stressed that Georgia is not terminating the peace process as we understand the importance of its continuity. Our proposal is to replace negotiation and peacekeeping formats, which have been destroyed following the military aggression of Russia, with neutral international peacekeeping mechanisms.
The Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement achieved with the mediation of President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of the President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.
Statement of the State Minister for Reintegration of Georgia
In conformity with the Resolutions of the Parliament of Georgia "On Peace-Keeping Forces Deployed in the Territory of Georgia” of 18 July 2006, and "On the Occupation of the Territories of Georgia by the Russian Federation” of 28 August 2008; and according to paragraph 3(b) of the Ordinance N552 of the Government of Georgia of 29 August 2008, the State Minister for Reintegration of Georgia is authorized to declare that Georgia withdraws from the Joint Control Commission that was established in conformity with the Agreement "On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June 1992.
The above decisions have been made after the Russian Federation, by its belligerent actions against Georgia, have invalidated all the peacekeeping and conflict resolution formats that had been in place until now, established through bilateral agreements and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Proceeding from the aforementioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has implemented due procedures in order to unilaterally terminate the Agreement "On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June 1992.
As a result, the Joint Control Commission for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict ceased existence; all protocols and agreements that were adopted within the framework of the Joint Control Commission are null and void; the mandate of the Joint Peacekeeping Force is annulled which should be followed by the immediate termination of so-called "peacekeeping operation” in the former South Ossetian autonomous province and the immediate withdrawal of the Russian military units, which are deployed in the region, from the territory of Georgia.
At the same time, the Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement mediated by the President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.
The above decisions have been made after the Russian Federation, by its belligerent actions against Georgia, have invalidated all the peacekeeping and conflict resolution formats that had been in place until now, established through bilateral agreements and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Proceeding from the aforementioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has implemented due procedures in order to unilaterally terminate the Agreement "On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June 1992.
As a result, the Joint Control Commission for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict ceased existence; all protocols and agreements that were adopted within the framework of the Joint Control Commission are null and void; the mandate of the Joint Peacekeeping Force is annulled which should be followed by the immediate termination of so-called "peacekeeping operation” in the former South Ossetian autonomous province and the immediate withdrawal of the Russian military units, which are deployed in the region, from the territory of Georgia.
At the same time, the Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement mediated by the President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.
Response to Human Rights Watch inquiry about use of M85 bomblets
Georgian armed forces have GRADLAR160 multiple launch rocket system and rockets of MK4 LAR160 type (with M851 bomblets) with the range of 45 kms.
These rockets were never used against civilians, civilian targets and civilian populated or nearby areas during the conflict with Russia, in South Ossetian region or beyond. The Gradlar system was used against Russian military equipment and armament marching from Rocki tunnel to Dzara road.
There were no Gradlar systems or rockets deployed in Shindisi at any moment during the hostilities or afterward. Shindisi was one of the last positions that Georgian army was holding before the disengagement and complete withdrawal from the war theatre.
No GRADLAR launchers have been destroyed during the war by enemy forces.
Since the moment of withdrawal of Georgian troops from Shindisi, Georgian armed forces have not used artillery.
The discovery of M85 bomblets in Shindisi raises a lot of suspicion, especially if there are no signs of damage caused by these bomblets. This fact demands proper investigation and Georgian side is ready to participate in and provide all necessary assistance for the conduct of such investigation. If needed, for the investigation purposes, we can provide the name of the supplier company.
We would like to receive some more information from and examine the evidence in possession of HRW in this regard.
1 - M85 dual-purpose bomblet has unique self-destruction mechanism. This important safety feature is designed to ensure that no armed duds will be left on the battlefield to endanger advancing friendly troops or civilian population; safety mechanism makes it impossible manually to arm duds inadvertently, and a highly sensitive impact fuse functions at steep angles of impact and at lower impact velocities and do not pose a seriouse threat to civilians.
These rockets were never used against civilians, civilian targets and civilian populated or nearby areas during the conflict with Russia, in South Ossetian region or beyond. The Gradlar system was used against Russian military equipment and armament marching from Rocki tunnel to Dzara road.
There were no Gradlar systems or rockets deployed in Shindisi at any moment during the hostilities or afterward. Shindisi was one of the last positions that Georgian army was holding before the disengagement and complete withdrawal from the war theatre.
No GRADLAR launchers have been destroyed during the war by enemy forces.
Since the moment of withdrawal of Georgian troops from Shindisi, Georgian armed forces have not used artillery.
The discovery of M85 bomblets in Shindisi raises a lot of suspicion, especially if there are no signs of damage caused by these bomblets. This fact demands proper investigation and Georgian side is ready to participate in and provide all necessary assistance for the conduct of such investigation. If needed, for the investigation purposes, we can provide the name of the supplier company.
We would like to receive some more information from and examine the evidence in possession of HRW in this regard.
1 - M85 dual-purpose bomblet has unique self-destruction mechanism. This important safety feature is designed to ensure that no armed duds will be left on the battlefield to endanger advancing friendly troops or civilian population; safety mechanism makes it impossible manually to arm duds inadvertently, and a highly sensitive impact fuse functions at steep angles of impact and at lower impact velocities and do not pose a seriouse threat to civilians.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Breaches by Russia of the Ceasefire Agreement
CHECKPOINTS
As of 18:00 - August 30, 2008
The Russian Army has illegally established 23 checkpoints deep within sovereign Georgian territory, contravening the six-point ceasefire agreement brokered by France.
Twelve of the checkpoints are located in central Georgia and eleven in western Georgia.
There are an estimated 970 Russian soldiers and 73 heavily armored vehicles stationed at these checkpoints. Armored patrols are dispatched regularly from the checkpoints into surrounding towns and villages. Additionally there are an estimated 10 000 Russian soldiers in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.
Estimated number of Russian personnel &equipment at all 23 illegal Russian checkpoints:
- Russian servicemen: 970
- Armored vehicles: 66
- Infantry combat vehicles: 7
- Grenade launchers: 2
- Ural-type vehicles: 22
- UAZ-type vehicle: 3
- Gaz-66 vehicles: 2
- Vilis-type car: 1
- Military Army tents: 8
- Cranes: 3
- Military power shovel: 3
- Vehicle with communication systems: 1
- Vehicle with electricity generator: 1
- Mobile medical unit: 1
Central Georgia
At 18:00 on 30 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed 14 checkpoints in central Georgia (Shida Kartli and other areas adjacent to South Ossetia, as well as in parts of South Ossetia that were never part of the conflict). Their location is given on the map number 2. The checkpoints are in the following locations:
LIST OF CHECKPOINTS IN CENTRAL GEORGIA
- Perevi (Sachkhere district)
- Ghodora (Sachkhere district)
- Ali (Khashuri district)
- Ptsa (Kareli district)
- Variani (Gori district)
- Karaleti (Gori district)
- Shavshvebi (Gori district)
- Ergneti (Gori district)
- Ikoti (Akhalgori district) 7 infantry combat vehicles, 1 armored vehicle, 6 Ural-type vehicles, 2 Gaz-66 vehicles, 1 military power shovel, 1 mobile medical unit, 2 grenade launchers, trenches, and 100 soldiers
- Meghvrekisi and Brotsleti (Gori district) Large concentrations of about 150 vehicles, most of them armored, are stationed between the villages.
- 1 km north of Odzisi in the Akhalgori district (1 armored vehicle, 15 Russian servicemen)
- Village of Mosabruni in the Akhalgori district (1 armored vehicle, 15 Russian servicemen)
Western Georgia
At 18:00 on 30 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed at least 20 checkpoints in western Georgia (in the regions of Samegrelo, Svaneti, Upper Kodori, Gali, and Ochamchire). Their locations, listed below,areindicated on map number 3.
LIST OF CHECKPOINTS IN WESTERN GEORGIA
Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region
- Teklati (near Senaki) 5 armored vehicles, 1 crane, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with communications systems, 1 UAZtype vehicle, 1 GAZ-type car, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen
- Pirveli Maisi (Khobi district), Near the former Georgian police checkpoint: 2 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen
- Between Shua Khorga and Chaladidi (Patara Poti, Khobi district) Near the turnoffto the Kulevi oil terminal: 4 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen
- Menji (Senaki district) In the Bakaraia neighborhood of the town, on the grounds of the Menji sanatorium, about 10 meters from the railroad: 3 armored vehicle, 4 Ural-type vehicle, 2 cranes, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 40 Russian servicemen
- Kantisubani (Tsalenjikha district) On the Tsalenjikha-Chkhorotsku road: 3 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 30 Russian servicemen
- Chale and Muzhava (Tsalenjikha district) At the entrances of the two villages: 3 armored vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 20 Russian servicemen
- Chkhorotsku On an old airfield, near the Senaki-Chkhorotsku highway: 3 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with electricity generator, 2 large army tents, 40 Russian servicemen
- Nabada (a suburb of Poti) 2 armored vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen 3
- Khudoni
- Anaklia
- Mount Kvira
Additional checkpoints
Colonel-General Anatoly Nogovitsin, deputy head of the Russian General Staff, listed the following additional checkpoints in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region during a press conference on 22 August:
Map No. 1: This map gives an overview of the current checkpoint situation:
Map No2: Location of checkpoints in Central Georgia
Map No3: Location of checkpoints in Western Georgia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
