"South Ossetia and Abkhazia - Part of Georgia": NATO called for Russian troops from the region

On the 16th anniversary of the Russian occupation of the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the Alliance declared full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. On the anniversary of the beginning of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Georgia in NATO, they declared complete support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, urging Moscow to withdraw troops from the territory of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The corresponding post posted on August 7 on NATO Daklalla Presscretar. The North Atlantic Alliance representative stressed that despite the perennial occupation of these territories, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are parts of Georgia. "We urge Russia to withdraw the troops that it posted in Georgia without its consent. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are part of Georgia, despite 16 years of Russian occupation. NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia," Dakhalala wrote.

In this context, the EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrel also spoke. According to him, due to the presence of Russia in the occupied separatist regions - Abkhazia and South Ossetia - the human rights affected by the conflict of communities in Georgia continue to be violated. The EU High Representative noted that restrictions on movement for residents of the region should stop and the conflict should be resolved peacefully.

"The EU emphasizes the steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within the internationally recognized borders," Borrel said. In turn, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine published a statement on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Russian aggression against Georgia, emphasizing Moscow's constant in the politics of imperialism in the Southern Caucasus, Central Asia and in Europe.

The statement states that the Russian occupation of Abkhazia and the Podkhinval region actually turned these Georgian territories into a gray zone. Despite the cessation of hostilities in August 2008, Russia continued the creeping annexation of the Georgian territory, using pressure, propaganda and other hybrid methods of intervention.