2017-02-08
In response to Georgia's peaceful policy and efforts seeking reconciliation and confidence building between the populations divided by occupation lines, the Russian Federation, unfortunately, continues to take steps towards increased isolation and annexation of Georgia's occupied territories.
This is evidenced by the recent decision to hold a referendum on naming the Tskhinvali Region similarly to a subject of the Russian Federation, which once again exposes the true intentions of the occupant power to incorporate Georgia's integral regions.
According to the international law, it is unlawful and unacceptable to hold a referendum in a region from which tens of thousands of residents have been expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing, and where effective control is exercised by the occupant power.
I urge the international community to join forces and stand up to the Russian Federation's provocative actions, to prevent violations of the territorial integrity of sovereign states and imposition of practice of unlawful annexation, which undermines the region's stability and the international system stemming from democratic values.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Prime Minister of Georgia