Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of  Georgia 

Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of  Georgia 

We reiterate our full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and remain deeply concerned over the continued occupation of parts of the territory of Georgia by the Russian Federation as well as by steps to integrate Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the Russia's socio-economic sphere.     Read More»

By | 18 March, 2022 | Topics: Statements | Tags: ,

Joint statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia

Thirteen years since the Russian military invasion of Georgia, we remain deeply concerned over the continued occupation of parts of the territory of Georgia and underline the need for the peaceful resolution of the conflict based on full respect for the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and international law. Read More»

By | 12 August, 2021 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: , , , ,

Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia

Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia Statement Delivered by H.E. Aurimas Taurantas, Ambassador of Lithuania OSCE Ministerial Council Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 4, 2020 This statement is delivered on behalf of Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the ... Read More»

By | 4 December, 2020 | Topics: Statements | Tags:

Response to the Address by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia

Response to the Address by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 12, 2020 Thank you Madam Chair.   The United States warmly welcomes to the Permanent Council the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions: EU ... Read More»

By | 12 November, 2020 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags:

Regarding Russian Occupation of Georgia, Ambassador Gilmore Acknowledges “Wake Up Call” for the “Most Serious Situation We’ve Seen in Years”

Regarding Russian Occupation of Georgia, Ambassador Gilmore Acknowledges “Wake Up Call” for the “Most Serious Situation We’ve Seen in Years” PRESS RELEASE | November 15, 2019 Vienna, November 14, 2019 – Responding to the reports by the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions on the situation in Georgia, Ambassador James Gilmore, head of the U.S. ... Read More»

By | 15 November, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements | Tags: ,

Amb Gilmore w Amb Bush

Ambassador Gilmore and UK Ambassador Neil Bush discuss OSCE contribution to Euro-Atlantic security

Ambassador Gilmore and UK Ambassador Neil Bush discuss OSCE contribution to Euro-Atlantic security PRESS RELEASE | August 28, 2019 USOSCE Ambassador James Gilmore and Ambassador Neil Bush, Head of the United Kingdom’s delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), met on August 29 to confer on vital emerging foreign policy for ... Read More»

By | 30 August, 2019 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , ,

GUAM logo with flags of member states

Response to Altai Efendiev, Secretary General of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development

We share the concerns of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development member states about the active and protracted conflicts in this region, and are deeply concerned by continuing violations of member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read More»

By | 8 June, 2017 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Statements, Trade | Tags: , , ,

Georgia Flag

Russian Efforts to Undermine Georgia’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

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. Read More»

By | 23 March, 2017 | Topics: Elections, Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags:

Georgia Flag

On the Closure of Crossing Points and the Illegitimate Referendum in Georgia’s Regions

The United States is deeply concerned by the decision of de facto Abkhaz authorities to close two controlled crossing points along the administrative boundary line of the occupied territory of Abkhazia in Georgia. These closures will further restrict freedom of movement and damage the livelihoods of local residents. Read More»

By | 9 March, 2017 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags:

Ambassador Haley’s Remarks to the UN Security Council on Conflicts in Europe

The OSCE is playing a crucial role observing and monitoring the situation in eastern Ukraine. U.S. bonds with NATO and the OSCE have stood the test of time. These are institutions that bring together partners on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean to defend our shared ideals. Read More»

By | 22 February, 2017 | Topics: Exclude, Human Rights, Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: , , , ,

A Georgian police officer guards the administrative boundary line with Georgia's province of South Ossetia. (AP)

On the Conflict in Georgia | Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia to the 2016 OSCE Ministerial Council

We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We underline the need for a peaceful resolution over the conflict in Georgia, based on full respect of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the fundamental norms and principles of international law. We call upon the Russian Federation to fully implement ... Read More»

By | 9 December, 2016 | Topics: Exclude, Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

Secretary of State John Kerry at the 2016 OSCE Ministerial Council, Hamburg, Germany, Dec. 8, 2016. (State Department Photo)

Secretary of State John Kerry at the Opening Session of the OSCE Ministerial | Statement to the 2016 Ministerial Council

Friends and colleagues, we meet in Hamburg today to reaffirm the same idea that tied us together in Helsinki 41 years ago: that our collective security is directly linked to the growth of our economies and the protection of basic human rights. Read More»

By | 8 December, 2016 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , , , , , ,

OSCE emblem at the entrance to the Hofburg Congress Center, Vienna. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

On Parliamentary Elections in Georgia | Statement to the PC

The United States congratulates the people of Georgia for the successful completion of parliamentary elections, which affirm Georgia as a leader of democratic reform in the region. We note that the OSCE election observation mission assessed both the October 8 elections and the October 30 run-offs as competitive and administered in a manner that respected the rights of ... Read More»

By | 3 November, 2016 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags:

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer at the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, Oct. 27, 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Response to Peter Maurer, International Committee of the Red Cross President | Statement to the PC

I would like to start by expressing our sincere gratitude to President Maurer for his remarks and thoughtful recommendations on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We first met in Washington several years ago in our previous capacities. It has been a real pleasure to see you and your success in your ... Read More»

By | 27 October, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , , , , ,

A Georgian police officer guards the administrative boundary line with Georgia's province of South Ossetia. (AP)

On the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia | Statement to the PC

Russia’s holding of elections to the Russian Duma in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is inconsistent with Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and contrary to the commitments made by the Russian Federation in the August 12, 2008, six-point ceasefire agreement. Read More»

By | 13 October, 2016 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

United States nameplate in the Hofburg Congress Center's Neuer Saal, the location of many OSCE Permanent Council Meetings, Vienna, March 9, 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Response to the Report by the Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center | Statement to the PC

The United States welcomes Ambassador Peško back to the Permanent Council, and thanks him for his report. At the outset, let me commend the dedicated and talented staff members of the Conflict Prevention Center (CPC) and their work to support the OSCE’s response to our shared security challenges – in particular, Russian aggression against Ukraine. ... Read More»

By | 13 October, 2016 | Topics: Politico-Military Activities, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , , ,

Ambassador Michael Kozak, Head of the U.S. Delegation to the OSCE Human Dimension Meeting 2016, delivering a statement in a plenary session, Warsaw, Poland, Sept. 21, 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Closing Remarks | Statement at the Closing Plenary of HDIM 2016

As the 2016 HDIM draws to a close, my delegation wishes to share some observations that will shape our approach to the OSCE Ministerial in Hamburg. First: Helsinki Final Act Principles linking respect for human rights within states to lasting security among states could not be more relevant. These foundational principles are under siege and ... Read More»

By | 30 September, 2016 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Freedom of Movement | Statement at Working Session 13 of HDIM 2016

In Vienna in 1989, all participating States committed to, “respect the right of everyone to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State, and to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.” This right is still not fully respected in all participating States. Let me make it ... Read More»

By | 27 September, 2016 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Great Seal of the United States

Tolerance and Non-Discrimination | Right of Reply at Working Session 10 of HDIM 2016

If a government has law enforcement concerns about a participant, HDIM is not the appropriate forum to deal with it. There are inter-governmental tools for law enforcement cooperation. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: we want your participation. Walking out robs the rest of us of your government’s perspective. It is not an effective way to respond to ... Read More»

By | 26 September, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: , , ,

Opening session of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016, Sept. 19, Warsaw, Poland. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Tolerance and Non-Discrimination | Statement at Working Session 10 of HDIM 2016

Respect for the rights of persons belonging to national minorities is a cornerstone of the Helsinki Final Act. We underscore the importance of maintaining the independence of the High Commissioner on National Minorities and ODIHR. Read More»

By | 26 September, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: , , , , , , ,

View from inside the opening session of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016, Sept. 19, 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Trafficking in Human Beings | Statement at Working Session 7 of HDIM 2016

The United States offers its continued support in the effort to save lives and protect those who are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, including migrants and refugees. Europol has reported that known smuggling and human trafficking gangs are working together to exploit migrant vulnerabilities. This is particularly concerning given the influx last year of 90,000 ... Read More»

By | 22 September, 2016 | Topics: Combating Trafficking in Persons, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Opening session of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016, Sept. 19, Warsaw, Poland. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Democratic Institutions | Statement at Working Session 1 of HDIM 2016

Elections are an essential element of democracy and a cornerstone of democratic institutions. The U.S. greatly appreciates the OSCE’s invaluable role in election observation – indeed, this organization has developed what is known as the “gold standard” for its methodology on evaluating elections. Read More»

By | 19 September, 2016 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, & Eurasia Dr. Michael R. Carpenter at the Annual Security Review Conference, Vienna, June 29, 2016. (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Conventional Arms Control and CSBMS: Problems and Prospects | Statement at the 2016 ASRC

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: thank you for the opportunity to contribute to a discussion of Conventional Arms Control and Confidence­ and Security­ Building Measures (CSBMs) at this year’s Annual Security Review Conference. This is an important topic that deserves thoughtful reflection and an honest exchange of views, particularly at this time of great ... Read More»

By | 29 June, 2016 | Topics: Statements | Tags: , ,

A Georgian police officer guards the administrative boundary line with Georgia's province of South Ossetia. (AP)

Response to Russia on the Geneva Discussions | Statement to the PC

Colleagues, I’d just like to call attention once again, since this has been a pattern, to the statement just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. When we see the continued denial of the reality of the situation that Russia is occupying territory that belongs to neighboring countries – and that’s countries plural, obviously – it ... Read More»

By | 23 June, 2016 | Topics: Exclude, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , ,

A Georgian police officer guards the administrative boundary line with Georgia's province of South Ossetia. (AP)

On the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia | Statement to the PC

At the thirty-sixth round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia on June 14-15, the United States welcomed the resumption of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which met for the first time in over four years on May 27 to address the fatal shooting of a Georgian civilian along ... Read More»

By | 23 June, 2016 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

An OSCE flag and a gavel before the start of a meeting at the Hofburg in Vienna. (OSCE/Mikhail Evstafiev)

Response to OSCE Special Rep. for the South Caucasus Günther Bächler: Statement to the PC

Before beginning let me just say that the statement we just heard from our distinguished Russian colleague reminded me of our Ukrainian colleague’s statement last week that hearing the Russian Federation’s position about Georgia should encourage all of us to have a bit more sympathy for the concerns that the Ukrainian government and people have ... Read More»

By | 9 June, 2016 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: , ,

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors at 20th Anniversary of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities, The Hague, April 21, 2016. (OSCE/HCNM)

Response to the Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors: Statement to the PC

High Commissioner Thors, the United States welcomes you back to the Permanent Council after an especially busy and productive period.  Your report today and the country visits you have made in the past six months demonstrate a commitment to carry out your work wherever needed. The United States very much values your engagement throughout the ... Read More»

By | 2 June, 2016 | Topics: National Minorities, Statements | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

OSCE flag outside the Hofburg Congress Center in Vienna, Austria (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

On Russia’s Announced “Agreement on the State Border” with South Ossetia: Statement to the PC

Along with every participating State except Russia, and the overwhelming majority of the international community, the United States supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.  We do not accept the validity of any agreements between the Russian Federation and the de facto authorities in Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and South ... Read More»

By | 5 May, 2016 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

OSCE flag outside the Hofburg Congress Center in Vienna, Austria (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

Violation of the Rights of Residents of Georgia’s Occupied Regions: Statement at the PC

The United States strongly supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. We take this occasion to remind the Russian Federation that in signing the Helsinki Final Act, it committed itself to the principles of respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, the inviolability of frontiers, and the territorial integrity of States. ... Read More»

By | 3 March, 2016 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

Great Seal of the United States

Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia: Statement to the PC

The United States warmly welcomes the three Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia: EU Special Representative Herbert Salber, UN Special Representative Antti Turunen, and OSCE Special Representative Angelo Gnädinger. Thank you for your comprehensive report. The United States firmly believes that the Geneva International Discussions are critical to enhancing security, ... Read More»

By | 22 October, 2015 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags:

Great Seal of the United States

On the Geneva International Discussions: Statement to the PC

The United States participated in the thirty-second round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia. We welcomed the constructive discussion, especially on issues that directly affect people living in conflict-affected areas, and noted that participants agreed that the security situation remained stable. In upcoming rounds, we are hopeful that participants can achieve ... Read More»

By | 16 July, 2015 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

Great Seal of the United States

On the territorial integrity of Georgia: Statement to the PC

We join others in expressing disappointment that shortly after the latest round of Geneva International Discussions, Russia decided to place so-called “state border” signs on the territory it is occupying in South Ossetia. We are deeply concerned to hear that people who have had access to this territory for farming and grazing their cattle have ... Read More»

By | 16 July, 2015 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags:

Great Seal of the United States

ASRC 2015, Working Session 1: Early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management

Early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation: lessons learned and the way ahead Let me begin by expressing my government’s concern over the failure again this year to include on today’s agenda specific reference to the existing protracted conflicts affecting Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. These real conflicts in this region ... Read More»

By | 24 June, 2015 | Topics: Politico-Military Activities, Protracted Conflicts, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: , , , , ,

Great Seal of the United States

The U.S. is a strong supporter of GUAM’s valuable work: Statement to the PC

The United States welcomes you to the Permanent Council, Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili, and we thank you for your presentation today. The United States is a strong supporter of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM — and the valuable work of the Organization in promoting deeper economic links among its member states ... Read More»

By | 30 April, 2015 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: , , ,

Great Seal of the United States

Condemnation of the so-called “Treaty of Alliance and Integration” between Russia and the South Ossetian Region of Georgia: Statement to the PC

First Deputy Minister Dondua, I welcome you to the Permanent Council. Your presence here today serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and non-intervention into the internal affairs of another country. The United States’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear: these occupied regions ... Read More»

By | 19 March, 2015 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

Great Seal of the United States

Statement on the 30th Round of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia: Statement to the PC

The United States participated in the 30th round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia. While differences remained on several of the agenda items and political developments in the region, participants generally engaged constructively in both working groups. Signing of the so-called “Treaty of Integration” between Russia and Abkhazia (Nov. 27) Response to the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (Nov. 6) Condemnation of the Illegitimate Election in Georgia’s Abkhazia Region (Aug. 28) Participants must work with the Co-Chairs to identify areas for progress in upcoming rounds ... Read More»

By | 18 December, 2014 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

Great Seal of the United States

Signing of the so-called “Treaty of Integration” between Russia and Abkhazia: Statement to the PC

The United States’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear: these regions are integral parts of Georgia. We continue to support Georgia’s independence, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity consistent with its internationally recognized borders. Response to the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (Nov. 6) On the Purported “Draft Treaty” Initiated by Russia (Oct. 30) U.S. Condemns the Illegitimate Election in Georgia’s Abkhazia Region (Aug. 28) The United States will not recognize the legitimacy of the so-called “treaty” between Georgia’s Abkhazia region and the Russian ... Read More»

By | 27 November, 2014 | Topics: Protracted Conflicts, Statements | Tags: ,

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