Fourteen years since the outbreak of the war between Russia and Georgia
News story | Date: 08/08/2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 marked the beginning of a new and more aggressive phase in Russia’s policy regarding its neighbouring countries and the European security architecture. As we are witnessing in Ukraine today, Russia has continued down this path”, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
Fourteen years have passed since the war between Russia and Georgia started on 8 August 2008.
“Norway reaffirms our unwavering support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We condemn Russia’s illegal military presence and exercise of control over Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, which are integral parts of Georgia, and the steps Russia has taken towards annexation of these Georgian regions”, said Ms Huitfeldt.
Norway remains concerned that no international human rights monitoring mechanism has been granted unrestricted access to the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia for the past several years. Norway calls for immediate, unhindered access to be granted to the UN‘s Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights and other international and regional human rights bodies.
“Unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need must be granted as a matter of urgency. The conditions for a safe, voluntary, dignified and unhindered return of internally displaced people and refugees must be established”, said Ms Huitfeldt.
Norway calls for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict based on international law, including the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act. Norway calls once again on the Russian Federation to fully implement its obligations and commitments under the agreement of 12 August 2008 and the subsequent implementing measures of 8 September 2008.