2017-04-09
We would like to reiterate very clearly that any so-called election or referendum in Georgia's occupied territories is unlawful and cannot have any legal effect, as established by the norms of international law scrupulously observed by the civilized world.
Importantly, the international community and individual states have already made clear their stance in support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, once again reaffirming their unity in condemning the illegally held so-called elections and referendum in the Tskhinvali Region.
Holding the so-called referendum on renaming one of Georgia's ancient regions to make it sound similar to a subject of the Russian Federation, is considered by us as laying the foundation for the region's illegal annexation.
Unfortunately, with such provocative actions the Russian Federation intentionally tries to compromise peaceful conflict resolution and prevent confidence building between the communities torn apart by the occupation lines.
I am convinced that we, Georgians and Ossetians, will find a way to reconcile and overcome this historically nonexistent alienation and will work together on building our mutual homeland, our mutual state - Georgia.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Prime Minister of Georgia