Wounding and Illegal Detention of a Georgian Citizen by the Russian Occupation Forces
As delivery by Acting Political Counselor Lane Darnell Bahl
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 17, 2020
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States is deeply concerned over reports this week that Russian-led security forces shot, wounded, and detained a Georgian citizen on July 11 along the administrative boundary line of the Russian-occupied Georgian territory of South Ossetia.
We strongly condemn this shooting and the subsequent detention of this Georgian citizen and call for his immediate release. The United States again calls upon Russia to fulfill its obligation under the 2008 ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, as well as its commitment to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The United States remains resolute in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. It is imperative that Russia halt its destabilizing actions, implement the 2008 ceasefire agreement, and cease its occupation of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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