Georgia condemns recently signed Russian military deal with occupied de-facto regimes
On November 22nd, the President of the Russian Federation signed the law on the ratification of the so-called “agreement” with Sokhumi occupation regime on establishment of “Joint Group of Armed Forces” in Georgia’s occupied territory of Abkhazia. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers this step another unlawful episode of factual annexation process of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.
The so-called “joint group of armed forces” would contain Russian troops and be deployed in occupied Abkhazia. It would also include two de-facto Abkhazian motorized infantries, artillery and aviation groups as well as special forces units to be run by Russian Federation military leadership.
The creation of such formation was envisaged by so-called “treaty on alliance and strategic partnership”, signed by Russian and de-facto Abkhazian governments in November 2014. The entire process vividly demonstrates that the Russian Federation pursues the policy of creeping annexation of Georgia’s occupied regions. This is in complete conflict with the established international order and undermines the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act, such as the inviolability of the internationally recognized borders and the respect of territorial integrity of a sovereign state.
By signing and ratifying the document a year later, Russia once again violated the August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, which is all the more disturbing, given the absence of international mechanisms in the occupied regions and the continued refusal by the Russia Federation to take the non-use of force pledge.
The creation of the so-called “joint group of armed forces” in Abkhazia, against the backdrop of continued military build-up and constant military drills in the occupied territories, further aggravates the already difficult security situation on the ground and significantly threatens the stability of the entire region.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia called the deal provocative and demonstrative of a complete disregard of the fundamental principles and norms of international law and undermines the established international order:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns this illegal step by the Russian Federation, which represents a rude violation of the territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of the sovereign state, and a demonstration of aggression against Georgia.”
The Foreign Ministry also appealed to the international community to “adequately evaluate” Russia’s “aggressive actions” and carry out sufficient measures that would prevent further escalation of the tense situation in the region.
U.S. Department of State Spokesperson John Kirby echoed to the developments in occupied territories of Georgia issuing the statement on the same day:
The United States strongly opposes the Russian Federation’s ratification of an agreement secured with the de facto leaders in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia regarding a joint military force. We do not recognize the legitimacy of this so-called “treaty,” which does not constitute a valid international agreement. The United States’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear: these regions are integral parts of Georgia, and we continue to support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.