Georgia concerned over Russia's actions in de-facto border
By Nazrin Gadimova
Georgia has expressed concern over the escalation of tension in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.
Special representative of the Georgian Prime Minister on the Russian-Georgian relations Zurab Abashidze raised the question about the events taking place along the de-facto border with South Ossetia in a regular meeting of Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs September Grigory Karasin in Prague on September 19.
"The actions in the conflict zone on establishing of so-called border are the violation of all internationally recognized standards," he said after the meeting. "Georgia is concerned by such actions of the Russian side and notes the inadmissibility of this."
Karasin, in turn, said it takes place within agreements of Russia with the authorities of the so-called republic.
The situation in the conflict zone has deteriorated after resumption of barbwire fencing along the de-facto border of the Tskhinvali region, particularly in the Ditsi village of the Gori region by Russian soldiers. The Georgian Foreign Ministry accused Russia of flagrant violation of the principles of international law noting that the barriers prevent the relations between the nations.
Georgia plans to raise the question on the situation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict at a session of the UN General Assembly.
Georgian Foreign Minister Panjikidze met with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tbilisi on September 19, saying the developments in Ditsi is a violation of international norms.
"I urge our partners to express solidarity with us, because it is the only tool that we have. We condemn the use of force, so diplomatic statements and political support are important in this situation."
Earlier, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule has expressed his support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and said the EU will discuss situation in the Tskhinvali region with Russia.
Georgia and Russia, its giant northern neighbor, have maintained no diplomatic relations since a brief war in 2008. Tbilisi broke off relations with Moscow in August 2008 when Moscow crushed a Georgian assault to reassert control over two rebel regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- and later recognized the regions. Georgia announced the two unrecognized republics as occupied territories in September 2008.