Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, has released a statement on the 10th anniversary of August 2008 Georgia-Russia war.

“In the 10 years since the tragic war between Russia and Georgia, more than 100,000 Georgians remain displaced and thousands continue to live under Russian occupation. Russia’s continued occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates international law and infringes on Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Residents in the occupied regions and along the line of contact continue to suffer as the victims of crimes and human rights violations, including kidnappings, restricted movement, and extrajudicial killings,” the statement reads.

Canadian FM explains that Russia must abide by its obligations under the Ceasefire Agreement of August 12, 2008, and the Agreement on Implementing Measures of September 8, 2008 in order to reach a peaceful and sustainable solution to this conflict. “We also call on Russia to allow the European Union Monitoring Mission access to the Georgian territories in which it exercises de-facto control,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, Canada welcomes the Government of Georgia’s new peace initiative, “Step to a Better Future,” directed at improving the humanitarian and socio-economic conditions of residents in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions.

“Canada has been unequivocal in our condemnation of Russia’s pattern of unacceptable international behaviour. We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Russia to account for its deplorable and unlawful behaviour. Canada stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Georgia, in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement reads.