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NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY
AUGUST 24 - 27, 2018
Merkel: Georgia’s Occupation Is Unfair ing relationship. Of course we support Georgia,” the Chancellor affirmed. Merkel also discussed her country’s relationship with Georgia in different areas, saying her visit is intended to help advance bilateral relations. “I do hope these ties will be further strengthened,” she said. Speaking after their meeting, Bakhtadze said the fact that Germany is a supporter and partner of Georgia is very important. “Today, Germany's support is especially important for Georgia. Russia does not fulfill the obligations of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 and continues its occupation of 20% of Georgian territory. Today, unfortunately, the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali are actually annexed, which further worsens the security, humanitarian and human rights situations on the ground,” he stressed, adding that the Georgian government only supports a peaceful resolution of the conflict and is relying on its allies for support, including Germany. Bakhtadze expressed hope that Merkel’s visit will further strengthen successful cooperation between the two states.
BY THEA MORRISON
G
erman Chancellor Angela Merkel called Georgia’s occupation by Russia unfair. She made the statement at a joint press-conference with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, on August 23. “What happens in Georgia is unfair. The Russian President knows my position regarding Georgia and about Ukraine too... Despite great effort, very little is being done to end this injustice forever. It should not become a daily reality…We should not tolerate such a situation,” Merkel stated. She also noted that Germany supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and will do its best to help peacefully resolve the conflict. “We are doing what we can to contribute to the regulation of the situation… Last year we celebrated 25 years of diplomatic ties between our countries… Georgia and Germany have a long-last-
Source: Mamuka Bakhtadze's official Facebook page
Georgia Files New Suit with Strasbourg Court against Russia Continued from page 1
According to the document, Russia violated the European Convention Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (prohibition of torture), Article 5 (right to liberty and security), Article 8 (right to privacy and family life), Article 13 (right to effective remedy), Articles 1 (right to property) and 2 (right to education) of Protocol 1, plus Article 2 of Protocol 4 (freedom of movement). Georgia’s Foreign Minister Davit Zal-
kaliani stated Russia needs to be held accountable for its illegal actions on the occupied territories of Georgia. He says the Georgian side expects the Strasbourg Court to make a fair decision in the case. In addition, Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria says filing the lawsuit against Russia was the right decision. “Due to the fact that the Russian Federation exercises effective control over the occupied territories of Georgia, consequently, in connection with the crimes
committed in this area - torture, inhuman treatment, kidnapping of people, etc. responsibility should be placed on the Russian Federation,” she said. Lomjaria noted the importance that Georgia use all international levers and courts to protect the rights and interests of its citizens in the international arena. Opposition parties believe the Georgian government should have filed such a complaint a long time ago, however, they approve of the step taken. Member of parliamentary minority Euro-
pean Georgia, Sergo Ratiani, says that it is important that the process has started. “We have been calling on the government to prepare such a suit for a long time. The process was delayed, but now it is has begun. It should become a hindering factor for Russian aggressive actions,” he said. Salome Samadashvili, member of the United National Movement (UNM), says it is already late to file. She believes it cannot be predicted what kind of decision will be made by the ECHR.
“This process might last for years. Meanwhile, we will be unprotected. That is why active diplomatic pressure on Russia and pressing this issue in the international arena is the most effective and fastest way to protect our citizens and our country's security," she said. Russia occupied Abkhazia and “South Ossetia” after the August 2008 war. Since then it has been controlling the territories and does not permit international monitoring missions to carry out monitoring there.