**Georgia Marks 17th Anniversary of August 2008 War, Calls for Peaceful Resolution**
Today marks the 17th anniversary of the devastating August 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on this occasion, reaffirming the country’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
According to the ministry’s statement, Georgia remains committed to using diplomatic and legal means to ensure the de-occupation, peaceful reunification, and development of the country in close cooperation with international partners. This message has been echoed by the Georgian government over the years, emphasizing its desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
**Russia’s Failure to Implement Ceasefire Agreement**
However, 17 years on from the war, Russia still refuses to implement the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement and withdraw its occupation forces from Georgian territory. Instead, it continues to take steps aimed at integrating Georgia’s occupied regions into Russia’s systems, in clear violation of international norms.
The statement also highlights Russia’s recent illegal actions, such as preventing international organizations from accessing the ground and hindering the functioning of international security mechanisms. Moreover, Moscow has blocked the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes.
**International Community Condemns Russian Actions**
The Georgian government is not alone in condemning Russia’s actions. Multiple decisions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) between 2021 and 2024 have confirmed that Russia is violating fundamental norms of international law.
Georgia continues to engage constructively in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), with a primary focus on implementing the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement and addressing issues related to the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. The government also calls for the unconditional resumption of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali and its regular functioning in both Gali and Ergneti.
**International Support and Call to Action**
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the international community’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In light of this, it calls on Russia to:
1. Revoke the illegal decision recognizing the “independence” of occupied regions
2. Respect Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
3. Fulfill obligations under the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement
4. Withdraw forces from Georgian territory
5. Cease obstructing the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes
As the statement pays tribute to soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the war, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
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