Georgian FM addresses OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili participated in the opening of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje, where he delivered a speech covering several topics.

Below is his full speech:

“The fundamental principles and core tenants of the Helsinki Final Act are being repeatedly and bluntly violated as the OSCE is approaching its 50th anniversary.

Russia’s full-scale military aggression against my country back in 2008, followed by the annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014, and the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine has compromised international rules-based order and security in the region, claiming the lives of thousands and uprooting millions.

We continue to stand with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people and reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Russia’s war against Georgia has been the first open attempt to forcibly redraw the borders of a sovereign state after the Cold War.

For over 15 years now, Russia has continued its illegal occupation of Georgia’s indispensable Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law. The people living in the occupied territories are subjected to grave human rights violations. Being isolated by kilometers of barbed wire fences, they are cut off from their relatives, farmlands, places of worship, deprived of the freedom of movement, [and] access to basic needs. Illegal detentions and kidnappings are rampant practices that put their health and lives at risk. The recent killing of a peaceful Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi by the Russian occupation forces in the vicinity of his native village Kirbali of Gori municipality is yet another act of violence against ethnic Georgians.

Georgia is dedicated to peace and seeks a peaceful solution to the conflict, which is policy-based on two pillars – de-occupation of Georgia’s territories by the Russian Federation and reconciliation between the divided communities. The Geneva International Discussions play a particular role as the format with the Russian Federation to ensure the implementation of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement, return of IDPs and refugees to their homes as well as other security, human rights, and humanitarian challenges stemming from Russia-Georgia conflict.

Georgia together with partners will continue to engage to generate progress and concrete deliverables of importance for people on the ground. I echo the OSCE chair that after all, it is all about people. Georgia’s peace policy of reconciliation and engagement focuses on people. It involves specific initiatives like a step toward a better future aimed at fostering confidence-building and improving the socioeconomic conditions of the population living under the burden of occupation.

Let me refer to the European Court of Human Rights judgments of January 2021, March, and April 2023, and also to the decision of the International Criminal Court of June 2022, which legally attests to Russia’s occupation and effective control of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia and its responsibility for the gross human rights violations. Along with these decisions, the consolidated stance of the international community is of utmost importance to ensure that Russia ceases its aggression, fulfills its international obligations, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours, and withdraws its forces from illegally occupied territories.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the group of friends of Georgia within the OSCE for their outspoken and continued support. Georgia pledges Its continued contribution to the OSCE as a guardian of the Helsinki principles. These principles laid the foundation for the OSCE to serve its purpose and address unprecedented challenges to the European security we face now. We stand ready to do our share for the functional and efficient OSCE that entails strong leadership and mandate of the autonomous institutions, We, therefore, encourage the decision of all four heads to remain in their offices,” the FM stated.