U.S. Statement on de facto “elections” in Georgia’s South Ossetia Region
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Gregory Macris
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
June 13, 2019
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States fully supports the joint statement made by Poland on behalf of the Group of Friends of Georgia, allow me, however, to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
The United States does not recognize the legitimacy of the so-called parliamentary elections held in Georgia’s South Ossetia region on June 9, nor will we acknowledge their outcome.
Our position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear: these regions are integral parts of Georgia.
Accordingly, we reiterate our strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We once again urge Russia to reverse its so-called “recognition” of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions and provision of free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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