Russian Efforts to Undermine Georgia’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
March 23, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States remains deeply concerned that Russia continues to undermine Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, in contravention of international law, Helsinki commitments, and the 2008 ceasefire agreement to which Russia is a party.
The United States’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia is clear and consistent – both of these regions are integral parts of Georgia. In this context, the United States does not recognize the results of an election conducted illegitimately in Georgian territory without the consent of the Government of Georgia.
The United States also condemns Russia’s decision to integrate the military forces from Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia with those of the Russian Federation.
The United States fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and believes the Geneva International Discussions are the forum to address the situation in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, and so we urge all participants to avoid actions which undermine these discussions.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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