In connection with the 16th anniversary of the August War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization calls on Russia to withdraw its armed forces from the territory of Georgia.
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“We call on Russia to withdraw the forces it has stationed in Georgia without its consent. South Ossetia & Abkhazia are part of Georgia, despite 16 years of Russian occupation. NATO fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,”said the statement published by NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah on X.
On the anniversary of the August War, partner countries and organizations issued statements supporting Georgia.
US Embassy: “Today marks the sixteenth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Georgia. We remember the events of August 2008 and the painful impacts they continue to have on Georgians. Russia's ongoing violations of the 2008 ceasefire agreement highlight the continued struggle for peace and stability in the region. The United States continues to advocate for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity in its internationally recognized borders.”
Great Britain Embassy: “Today we commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war of August 2008. We remember those killed, injured and displaced by Russia’s brutal and illegal actions. The UK remains steadfast in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Norway MFA: “In August 2008, Russian troops invaded Georgia. 16 years on, the occupation persists. In Georgia as in Ukraine, we once again call on Russia to end its blatant violation of international law, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours.”
Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna: “Today 16 years ago Russia started its war of aggression against Georgia & the effects are still being felt today. Estonia condemns and will not forget the ongoing occupation of 20% of Georgia's territory. We will continue to steadfastly support Georgia’s territorial integrity.”
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė: “16 years ago Russia invaded Georgia and got away with it. Impunity and appeasement only led to Russian imperialist aggression growing more brutal.
Lithuania's support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering – so is our support to the Georgian people who have chosen a European and Euro-Atlantic future for their country. Russia is an aggressor, not a role model.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola: “16 years after Russia's aggression against Georgia, the European Parliament has not wavered in its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the European aspirations of its people.”
The European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell: “The European Union’s commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia remains firm… The European Union reiterates its unwavering support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.”
August 2024 marks 16 years since the Russian-Georgian war. On August 7, 2008, the Russian army crossed the Georgian border through the Roki Tunnel and launched a full-scale land, air, and sea military aggression. Russian aviation attacked military bases and airports in various cities of Georgia. Gori was bombed twice, including the Gori military base. The Tbilisi Vaziani military base, an aviation factory, the port of Poti, and the Senaki and Marneuli military bases were also bombed. As a result of the Russian military intervention, 228 Georgian civilians, 170 soldiers, and 14 policemen died. 150,000 people were displaced, many of whom remain in exile. Georgia lost control over 189 villages as a result of the August War.