2. JAHRESTAG 08.08.2008 - RUSSISCHE INVASION IN GEORGIEN - RUSTAVI 2

08.08.2010 | Rustavi2 | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

Events devoted to second anniversary of Russia-Georgia war held in Gori
08.08.10 18:03
Events devoted to the second anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 continue in the town of Gori in Shida Kartli Region. Civil rites were served in all acting churches of Shida Kartli.
Support rallies for Georgia held in about 30 cities of world
08.08.10 17:50
About 100 Georgian nationals assembled in New York to hold a protest rally over Russia`s aggression to Georgia. The protesters were holding Georgian national flags and chanting slogans: `Stop the Russian Aggression!`.
Lithuanians express support to Georgia
08.08.10 17:35
A support rally for Georgia was held in Lithuania. In cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda, locals assembled on their own initiative and called on the world for pressing Russia and freeing Georgia.
Russian opposition members hold support rally for Georgia in Gori town
08.08.10 17:21
Representative of Russian opposition parties and public movements are holding a supporting rally for Georgia in teh town of Gori now. They are delivering speeches in the centre of the town.
Medvedev pays first visit to occupied Abkhazia
08.08.10 17:12
At the second anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war Dmitri Medvedev unexpectedly visited Sukhumi. After Russia`s recognition of Georgia`s two occupied regions, this is the Russian President`s firs visit to occupied Abkhazia.
Georgian patriarch pays tribute to memory of soldiers killed in war
08.08.10 16:39
Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II paid tribute to memory of the people killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. After teh Sunday liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ilia II delivered a sermon to the parish.
Representatives of provisional South Ossetian administration pay tribute to heroes
08.08.10 16:22
Dmitri Sanakoev and other representatives of the provisional administration of South Ossetia arrived Sunday in Mukhatgverdi at the cemetery of soldiers killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. They were accompanied with internally displace people
Citizens pay tribute to soldiers fallen for territorial integrity of Georgia
08.08.10 15:36
Representatives of the Georgian Defence Ministry and family members of Corporal Vakhtang Gzirishvili killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 arrived Sunday (August 8) at the memorial to heroes killed in the war for Georgia`s territorial integrity.
IDPs in Gori sign symbolical Message to Civilized World
08.08.10 14:53
Message of Internally Displaced People to Civilized World Rally continued Sunday in the town of Gori in Shida Kartli Region. IDPs living in Asps Settlement signed the symbolical document.
`Don`t let Georgia down, Cameron`: Guardian
08.08.10 13:02
The UK government should do like the U.S. and continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 2008 ceasefire commitment, the Guardian British outlet says in its letter titled `Don`t let Georgia down, Cameron`.
`We`ll keep fighting until last occupant leaves Georgia`: Saakashvili
07.08.10 11:55
In 2008 we had again to take up arms to protect dignity of our homeland. We will keep fighting until the last occupants does not leave Georgia`, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said.
Citizen of Russia presents apartment Georgian soldier`s family
06.08.10 18:12
Citizen of Russia presented an apartment to the child of a Georgian soldier killed in Tskhinvali in 2006. Olya Khvostikova, who is living in Krasnodar Oblast of Russia now handed over the two-room apartment to national hero Zaza Damenia`s son.
Georgian Refugee Minister visits families of killed soldiers
06.08.10 18:11
Georgian Minister for Refugees and Accommodation visited Friday the families of soldiers killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. Koba Subeliani handed over two-week vouchers for Black Sea resort Kobuleti and other presents to family members of Romelashvili brothers
Vice Premier reports to Putin about rehabilitation works in Tskhinvali
06.08.10 18:09
First Vice Premier of Russia, after visiting Georgia`s occupied regions - South Ossetia and Abkhazia - reported to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Although Igor Shuvalov slammed the Kokoity`s government for failing the rehabilitation works while visiting Tskhinvali,..
`Two years after Georgia war, Saakashvili defiantly hangs on`: AFP
06.08.10 18:09
Agence France-Presse sums up results of the Russia-Georgian war that took place in August 2008. The agency has published an article titled ` Two years after Georgia war, Saakashvili defiantly hangs on`.
International Court of Justice appoints hearing of Georgia`s action against Russia
06.08.10 18:05
International Court of Justice has appointed a hearing of Georgia`s action against Russia on the war in August 2008. The hearing will be held on Septermber 13-17, 2010 and it implies several stages.
Abkhaz government members pay tribute to soldiers killed in August war
06.08.10 15:10
Members of the government of Abkhaz Autonomous Republic expressed Friday their condolences to families of soldiers killed in the August war in 2008. Members of teh Abkhaz government arrived at Mukhatgverdi Fraternal Cemetery and laid flowers on tombs of the fallen soldiers.
Georgian Ministry of Justice Poppy Rally for memory of fallen soldiers
06.08.10 12:20
Georgian Ministry of Justice has joined Poppy Rally. All representatives of the ministry will be wearing badges of poppies attached to their chests all day long. About 4000 employees of the ministry are participating in the rally...
Georgian president visits internally displaced families
04.08.10 18:25
Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili visited internally displaced people in teh village of Shaumiani, Marneuli District on Wednesday. 212 families on total are living in the village and 70% of them have been employed by the local government.

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

Aufruf an die internationale Politik anlässlich des Jahrestages der russischen Invasion in Georgien am 08.08.2008

08.08.2009 | Georgien-Nachrichten.com | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

Aufruf an die internationale Politik anlässlich des Jahrestages

der russischen Invasion in Georgien am 08.08.2008

durch die georgische Diasporagemeinschaft in Deutschland

Am 08.08.2008 stießen russische Streitkräfte auf georgisches Territorium vor und – wie später bekannt wurde – waren in den Tagen zuvor bereits reguläre Militärs in Südossetien zu Übungen und Erkundungen eingeschleust worden, z. B. Interview Generalmajor Borisow.

Die internationale Politik erreichte im August 2008 Verhandlungsergebnisse zwischen Georgien und Russland in Form des Sechs-Punkte-Planes mit späteren Zusatzvereinbarungen. Statt der zugesagten Wiederherstellung der Situation vor den Kampfhandlungen in Südossetien und Abchasien erkannte Russland diese als selbstständige Staaten an, schloss militärische Verträge ab und baute dort neue Truppenstützpunkte und Militärflughäfen – entgegen internationaler Verträge und den Prinzipien des Völkerrechts. Weiterhin verhinderte Russland im Alleingang die Fortsetzung der UN-Mission in Georgien (UNOMIG) und der OSZE-Beobachtermission. So wird in den okkupierten georgischen Regionen Abchasien und Südossetien die georgische Bevölkerung weiterhin unbehelligt unterdrückt und vertrieben.

Deshalb rufen wir die internationale Politik und sie persönlich auf,

gegenüber Russland diplomatischen und politischen Druck auszuüben, damit

1. die Anerkennung von Südossetien und Abchasien sofort aufgehoben wird,

2. der europäischen Beobachtermission EUMM dort Zugang gewährt wird,

3. die OSZE- und UN-Mission in Georgien wieder aufgenommen werden kann,

4. die territoriale Integrität Georgiens auch durch Russland respektiert wird,

5. der Sechs-Punkte-Plan vom August 2008 vollständig von Russland eingehalten wird,

6. Premierminister Putin seine Zusagen im Interview vom 30.08.2008 einhält.

Sechs-Punkte-Plan als Waffenstillstandsabkommen, vermittelt durch den französischen Präsidenten Sarkozy zwischen Georgien und Russland, am 16.08. auch von Russland unterzeichnet:

1. Verzicht auf Gewaltanwendungen

2. Endgültige Einstellung aller Kampfhandlungen

3. Gewährleistung eines ungehinderten Zugangs zu humanitären Hilfsgütern

4. Rückkehr der georgischen Streitkräfte auf ihre ursprüngliche Position

5. Rückzug der russischen Streitkräfte auf jene Linien, hinter denen sie sich vor Beginn der Kampfhandlungen befunden haben. Die russischen Friedenstruppen sollen zusätzliche Sicherheitsmaßnahmen ergreifen, bis internationale Mechanismen vereinbart sind.

6. Aufnahme internationaler Gespräche über Modalitäten für die Sicherheit und Stabilität in Südossetien und Abchasien

Quelle: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/Laenderinformationen/Georgien/080815-Ratsschlussfolgerung.pdf

Interviewauszug: Im Gespräch mit dem Journalisten Thomas Roth sagte Russlands Premierminister Wladimir Putin in einer ARD-Sondersendung am 30.08.2008 unter anderem:

Roth: Wo sehen Sie die Aufgabe von Deutschland in dieser Krise?

Putin: Wir haben zu Deutschland sehr gute Beziehungen, vertrauensvolle Beziehungen, sowohl politische als auch ökonomische. Als wir mit Herrn Sarkozy gesprochen haben, bei seinem Besuch hier, haben wir gesagt, dass wir keinerlei Territorien in Georgien wollen. Wir werden uns in die Sicherheitszone zurückziehen, die in den früheren internationalen Abkommen vereinbart wurde. Aber da werden wir auch nicht ewig bleiben. Wir betrachten das als georgisches Territorium. Unsere Absicht besteht nur darin, die Sicherheit zu gewährleisten und es nicht so zu machen, dass da Truppen und Kriegsgerät heimlich geballt werden. Und zu verhindern, dass da die Möglichkeit eines neuen Konfliktes entsteht. Dann begrüßen wir die Teilnahme von Beobachtern der EU, der OSZE und natürlich auch Deutschlands. Wenn die Prinzipien der Zusammenarbeit geklärt sind.

Quelle: http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/putin172.html

weitere Quellen:

Interview von Generalmajor Borisow in “Radio Echo Moskau”: http://www.echo.msk.ru/programs/voensovet/596473-echo/

Report on human rights issues following the August 2008 armed conflict, by Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe - 8 to 12 February 2009

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Appell, Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #

Resolution zu Georgien im US-Senat

11.12.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

'Resolution zur Okkupation' im US-Senat initiiert
Die demokratische Senatorin Jeanne Shaheen hat eine Resolution verfaßt, die Georgiens territoriale Integrität und die Anerkennung von Abchasien und Südossetien als von Russland besetzte Regionen unterstützt. Russland auch aufgerufen, das Waffenstillstandsabkommen von 2008 vollständig zu erfüllen.
Entwurf einer Resolution zu Georgien im US-Senat initiiert:
Draft of Resolution on Georgia Initiated in U.S. Senate
Draft - S.RES.698
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the territorial integrity of Georgia and the situation within Georgia's internationally recognized borders
Whereas, since 1993, the territorial integrity of Georgia has been reaffirmed by the international community and 36 United Nations Security Council resolutions;
Whereas the Helsinki Final Act resulting from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975 states that parties ‘‘shall regard as inviolable all one another’s frontiers’’ and that ‘‘participating States will likewise refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation’’;
Whereas the United States-Georgia Strategic Charter, signed on January 9, 2009, underscores that ‘‘support for each other’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders constitutes the foundation of our bilateral relations’’;
Whereas, in October 2010, at the meeting of the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, Secretary of State Clinton stated, ‘‘The United States will not waiver in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’’;
Whereas the White House released a fact sheet on July 24, 2010, calling for ‘‘Russia to end its occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’’ and for ‘‘a return of international observers to the two occupied regions of Georgia’’;
Whereas Vice President Joseph Biden stated in Tbilisi in July 2009 that the United States ‘‘will not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states’’ and went on to ‘‘urge the world not to recognize [Abkhazia and South Ossetia] as independent states’’;
Whereas the August 2008 conflict between the Governments of Russia and Georgia resulted in civilian and military causalities, the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, and large numbers of internally-displaced persons;
Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement, agreed to by the Governments of Russia and Georgia, provides that all Russian troops shall be withdrawn to pre-conflict positions;
Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement provides that free access shall be granted to organizations providing humanitarian assistance in regions affected by violence in August 2008;
Whereas the International Crisis Group concluded in its June 7, 2010, report on South Ossetia that ‘‘Moscow has not kept important ceasefire commitments and some 20,000 ethnic Georgians from the region remain forcibly displaced’’;
Whereas Human Rights Watch concluded in its World Report 2010 that ‘‘Russia continued to exercise effective control over South Ossetia and. . . Abkhazia, preventing international observers’ access and vetoing international missions working there’’;
Whereas, in October 2010, Russian troops withdrew from the small Georgian village of Perevi;
Whereas the withdrawal of Russian troops from Perevi is a positive step, but it does not constitute compliance with the terms of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia ceasefire agreement;
Whereas, on November 23, 2010, before the European Parliament, Georgian President Saakashvili committed Georgia to not use force to restore control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia;
Whereas Secretary of State Clinton stated in Tbilisi on July 5, 2010, ‘‘We continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 2008 cease-fire commitment. . . including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions.’’;
Whereas the Russian Federation vetoed the extension of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia and the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia, forcing the missions to withdraw from the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia;
Whereas Russian troops stationed in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to be present without a mandate from the United Nations or other multilateral organizations;
Whereas the Senate supports United States efforts to develop a productive relationship with the Russian Federation in areas of mutual interest, including non-proliferation and arms control, cooperation concerning the failure of the Government of Iran to meet its international obligations with regard to its nuclear programs, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, anti-piracy, economics and trade, and others; and
Whereas the Senate agrees that these efforts must not compromise longstanding United States policy, principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and United States support for United States allies and partners worldwide: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate
(1) affirms that it is the policy of the United States to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Georgia and the inviolability of its borders and to recognize the areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as regions of Georgia occupied by the Russian Federation;
(2) calls upon the Government of Russia to take steps to fulfill all the terms and conditions of the 2008 ceasefire agreements, including returning military forces to pre-war positions and ensuring access to international humanitarian aid to all those affected by the conflict;
(3) urges the Government of Russia and the de facto authorities in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to allow for the full and dignified return of internally-displaced persons and international observer missions to the territories of Abkhazia and
South Ossetia;
(4) supports constructive engagement and confidence-building measures between the Government of Georgia and the de facto authorities in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; and
(5) affirms that the path to lasting stability in this region is through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue.

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

Immer noch einiges zu tun - EUMM fast zwei Jahre vor Ort

06.08.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |
Civil.ge publishes article by head of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Ambassador Hansjörg Haber.
The interval between the second anniversary of the outbreak of the 2008 war on 7/8 August and the end of the second annual mandate of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia on 14 September gives me an opportunity to reflect on EUMM’s work over these last two years and its impact on the situation on the ground.
EUMM was deployed following the EU-brokered 12 August Six-Point Agreement and the 8 September Implementing Measures Agreement in 2008. Thanks to the support of all EU Member States the fastest deployed mission in the history of EU Common Security and Defence Policy, EUMM began its operations on 1 October 2008 with more than 200 monitors on the ground, as stipulated in the Implementing Measures Agreement. Its mandate consists of four important components, namely stabilisation, normalisation and confidence building, as well as reporting to Brussels to inform EU policy making.
Normalisation was the first and most urgent task facing the mission. At its very inception the mission was assisted in the efforts to bring back to normality the lives of those parts of the population living in the areas adjacent to the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and displaced by the hostilities. The Russian Armed Forces’ withdrawal from the adjacent areas eight days after the Mission started patrolling, allowed some 30,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes and to restart their lives. Their departure from places of temporary accommodation did not, however, solve the long-standing problem of IDPs in Georgia. In addition to those displaced during previous conflicts, 30,000 to this day remain unable to go back to their houses in South Ossetia, most likely destroyed in the August 2008 war.
The Georgian government certainly deserves praise for its prompt reaction to the 2008 IDPs’ plight and for including earlier IDPs into a strategy that ultimately aims at finding durable accommodation solutions for all those affected by the recent conflicts. It cannot be ignored, however, that the pressure under which decisions had to be made at that point in time led to a number of serious flaws, which now require addressing. In virtue of its exclusively monitoring role, EUMM has been observing the situation of IDPs, recording their grievances and sharing its insights with both donors, including, of course, the EU, and organizations implementing aid programs, in particular the UN family.
While the Mission’s mandate covers the entire territory of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, the de facto authorities’ denial of access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia has been hampering the mission’s normalization and stabilization efforts. Especially Georgian interlocutors expected we would gain access as a matter of priority shortly after deployment. Unfortunately, with a few minor exceptions, this has not happened so far. Our Georgian partners have come to accept that this limitation to the implementation of the mission’s mandate is effectively counterbalanced by a consistent EU policy of non-recognition of the entities. At the same time, however, we feel that inability to access areas under the control of Sukhumi and Tskhinvali prevents us from helping bring clarity and resolve incidents that take place on the ground. On concrete issues that affect the security situation in the areas adjacent to the administrative boundary lines and the livelihood of ordinary people on both sides of the divide, EUMM has consistently strived to play an impartial role.
Looking at the stabilization component of the mission’s mandate, we regard the Memorandum of Understanding concluded with the Georgian Ministry of Defence on 26 January, 2009, as a definite success. In the agreement, Georgia unilaterally accepts limitations on the deployment of both troops and heavy equipment in a carefully defined strip of territory around South Ossetia and south of Abkhazia. This goes beyond the obligations included in the Six-Point Agreement. A Russian decision to reciprocate the move would help bring transparency on the presence of military forces also on the other side of the administrative boundary line and increase security for all. Unfortunately, despite repeated invitations by EUMM, this move has so far not been reciprocated by Moscow.
Although still unilateral, we are convinced that the Memorandum works to the distinctive advantage of Georgia. Continually monitoring Georgian military installations and military forces deployed throughout the country, and especially near the administrative boundary lines, as stipulated in the document, EUMM is in a position to issue a "clean bill of health" to Georgia. The great value of this agreement was clearly demonstrated in the spring and summer of 2009, when EUMM, thanks to its observations gathered on the ground, was able to repeatedly refute Russian and South Ossetian allegations of a Georgian military build-up along the administrative boundary line. The Memorandum of Understanding, therefore, is strong evidence of Georgia's willingness to abide by the principle of non-use of force as contained in the Six-Point Agreement.
The positive example of the Memorandum of Understanding illustrates an important principle, namely that in a situation where the sides to a conflict cannot come to an agreement, formal or informal, unilateral concessions by one side might prove the only way to push things forward. As a result, the part that bravely accepts to make such concession not only is not harmed, but can actually benefit from it. It seems to me that recognition of this principle that we could call “constructive unilateralism” is also at the origin of the Georgian State Strategy on the Occupied Territories, and, the subsequent Action Plan for Engagement. Both the Strategy and the Action Plan set out a people-centered policy, aimed at stretching out a helping hand to the civilian populations (citizens of Georgia, to be sure) residing in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
However, the intentions enunciated in these two documents appear to conflict with provisions contained in the Law on Occupied Territories, which had adopted a more restrictive approach. With all respect to a decision of the Parliament of Georgia and to the rule of law, it should be kept in mind that this piece of legislation was passed under the emotional impact of the August war. From the perspective of EUMM, and being mandated to observe the present and potential future effects of both the law and the Action Plan, I think the Georgian authorities should strive to preserve a coherent approach and resolve possible incoherences between the Law on the one side, and the Strategy and the Action Plan on the other, in favour of the latter.
Since EUMM’s deployment, the situation in the areas adjacent to the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia has largely stabilized. Yet we are not under the illusion that stabilization equates to the resolution of the conflict. The Georgian people have had plenty of opportunities to learn these lessons between 1993 and 2008, when, in spite of agreements to stabilize the situation and the presence of international organisations to monitor this process, hostilities reignited. EUMM will remain loyal to its commitments and redouble efforts to engage the sides in confidence building measures. However, I am firmly convinced that, regardless of the international community’s best intentions, the task to address the root causes of the conflict rests primarily on the sides to the conflict. Furthermore, Tbilisi, Moscow, Tskhinvali and Sukhumi should strive to keep the interests of the civilian populations at heart and align their decisions accordingly.
EUMM’s mandate has just been renewed until September 2011. Given EU member states’ support for continued engagement in the Southern Caucasus, it will probably be extended again.
But the EU, and EUMM in particular, can only provide a enabling environment for solving the conflicts on Georgian territory. It cannot provide the solution itself, which must be found by the participants to these conflicts themselves. They should therefore prepare to take full responsibility to find sustainable and lasting solutions for the sake of the future welfare and peaceful prospects for all communities in the region.
Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Krieg-2008, Appell, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

Georgien debattiert im Europaparlament

22.12.2011 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

In einer Resolution werden die signifikante Fortschritte Georgiens seit dem letzten Beobachterbericht 2008 begrüßt und das Engagement in den letzten zwölf Jahren seit Beitritt anerkannt.
Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted on April 13 resolution on honoring commitments by Georgia, undertaken when the country jointed Council of Europe twelve years ago.
While welcoming “significant efforts” by the Georgian government in honouring its commitment and “considerable progress” achieved since the last monitoring report in 2008 despite the consequences of the August war, the resolution also outlines shortcomings in various areas.
The adoption of the resolution was preceded by debates on a report prepared by two co-rapporteurs on Georgia – Michael Jensen, a lawmaker from Denmark and Kastriot Islami, a lawmaker from Albania.
During the debates most of the speakers said that the report was “balanced” and, as one speaker said, the co-rapporteurs “managed to strike a middle ground” without underestimating progress or shortcomings.
The most of the criticism came from the Russian delegation, who said that the report was not fully reflecting the problems in Georgia, including one of “political prisoners”.
Sergei Markov, lawmaker from Russia’s ruling party, United Russia, said that the report “leaves mixed impression”; he said the report was not about “real Georgia, where the opposition is suffering and is afraid, where the TV channels are under the government’s control.”
MP Konstantin Kosachev, who leads the Russian delegation at PACE, said that Russia would be sincerely pleased with the Georgian people’s successes, because Russia considers Georgian people “as friends.” Kosachev said that while now everyone were expressing concern about developments in Libya, “we have to bear in mind that President Saakashvili tried to act very much the same against his own people” in August, 2008.
“While comparing to Gaddafi maybe you can recall Chechnya,” Akaki Minashvili, a senior Georgian lawmaker responded during the debates. “While [speaking about] political prisoners maybe you can recall Khadarkovsky; while speaking about friendship – we know what your friendship is; your friendship is expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Georgians from Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
The resolution, which in overall was welcomed by the Georgian delegation, praises the Georgian authorities for taking initiatives “to overcome the polarisation and confrontational atmosphere that has regrettably dominated the political landscape”, as well as efforts “to strengthen the position and role of the opposition.”
The resolution says that the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections “will be the litmus test” and calls on the political parties to agree on “election system that can muster the full trust of all electoral stakeholders.”
While welcoming the major constitutional changes, which will go into force in late 2013, the resolution also calls on the Georgian authorities to take into consideration recommendations by Council of Europe’s advisory body, Venice Commission. In particular the resolution calls for revising procedures for non-confidence vote to the government so that to strengthen the powers of the Parliament in this process; it also calls for increasing the Parliament’s role in budgetary matters.
The resolution expresses concern over “the problems of the administration of justice that could endanger the principles of equal application of the law.”
“The Assembly calls upon the Georgian authorities to address these problems which, if left unaddressed, could undermine the considerable progress made by the authorities in the field of judicial reform and the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary,” the resolution reads.
The resolution also notes “the persistent allegations that high-level corruption has not been fully eradicated”. It says that complaints over excessive use of force by the police during the protests “do not seem to be effectively and systematically investigated.”
The resolution welcomes “political will” of the Georgian government to address the problem of overcrowding and inadequate living conditions in prisons. It says that growth of the prison population “is largely the result of the very strict, even sometimes disproportionate, mandatory sentencing guidelines, even for minor crimes” and because of consecutive sentencing rules.
While welcoming entry into force of the law on the prosecution service, the resolution also says that considerable powers given to the Minister of Justice to conduct personally the prosecution of high ranking officials, such as president and members of the government, should be abolished.
The resolution expresses “regret” that Georgia has not yet honored its commitment to sign the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and calls on Georgia to sign and ratify this Charter “without further delay.”
The resolution also expresses concern about “the manner in which IDPs were recently evicted from their residences in Tbilisi.” When during the debates this issue was raised by one of the speakers, a senior Georgian lawmaker Petre Tsiskarishvili responded: “I do not want you my dear colleagues to misinterpret the facts and call the resettlement process [of IDPs] ‘eviction’ or ‘throwing people out in the streets’.”

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

International Crisis Group (ICG) legt Bericht zur Abhängigkeit Tskhinvali’s von Russland vor

07.06.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

Media release: South Ossetia: The Burden of Recognition - Tskhinvali/Tbilisi/Istanbul/Moscow/Brussels
All parties involved in the South Ossetia conflict should work to ensure freedom of movement and other basic cooperative mechanisms without status or other political preconditions, so as to reduce the risk of instability and meet basic local needs.
South Ossetia: The Burden of Recognition , the latest report from the International Crisis Group, is based on extensive field research in the isolated entity. It examines economic, political and security situation and the extent of dominance from Moscow, especially since the August 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. Only four countries, including Russia, have recognised the tiny breakaway territory that Crisis Group found enjoys no more independence than it did before the conflict
All other countries consider South Ossetia an integral part of Georgia, and its prospects for true independence are poor. The war dealt a heavy physical, economic, demographic and political blow. The permanent population – shrinking since the early 1990’s – now is unlikely to be much more than 30,000. Due to corruption, the $840 million Russia has so far contributed has not significantly improved local conditions. With traditional trading routes to the rest of Georgia closed, the economy has been reduced to little more than a service provider for the Russian military and construction personnel.
“Recognition of South Ossetia as an independent state actually has consolidated its dependence”, says Lawrence Sheets, Crisis Group’s Caucasus Project Director. “Since 2008, South Ossetia’s situation closely mirrors that of Russia’s North Caucasus republics with 99 per cent of its budget and half its government staff coming from Russia”.
In violation of the 2008 ceasefire accords, Russia keeps excess troops in the region and blocks virtually all access to international organisations, including the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). It should fully implement its international commitments and encourage the Ossetians to engage with Georgian authorities on issues including free movement of people and goods, security and step-by-step return of the approximately 20,000 ethnic Georgians who remain displaced.
To avoid turning South Ossetia into a “no man’s land”, all sides should focus on the population’s practical needs and grievances. Moscow should put strict controls on its financial transfers and tackle corruption and human rights violations by local authorities. International organisations should continue or renew contacts with the de facto local authorities and civil society and keep engaging with Russia and Georgia on South Ossetia.
Georgia should look for ways to engage with Ossetians by actively supporting free movement and small-scale economic activity for locals across the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL), as well as encourage the EU, UN, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other bodies to develop initiatives to loosen South Ossetian dependence on Russia.
“It will take a long time to rebuild any trust between the Ossetians and Georgians”, said Sabine Freizer, Crisis Group’s Europe Program Director. “Only the example of a prosperous and democratic state, responsive to human rights issues in the breakaway regions and the grievances of its national minorities, may eventually encourage South Ossetians to regain trust in Georgia”.

South Ossetia: The Burden of Recognition

Europe Report Nº205 7 Jun 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

South Ossetia is no closer to genuine independence now than in August 2008, when Russia went to war with Georgia and extended recognition. The small, rural territory lacks even true political, economic or military autonomy. Moscow staffs over half the government, donates 99 per cent of the budget and provides security. South Ossetians themselves often urge integration into the Russian Federation, and their entity’s situation closely mirrors that of Russia’s North Caucasus republics. Regardless of the slow pace of post-conflict reconstruction, extensive high-level corruption and dire socio-economic indicators, there is little interest in closer ties with Georgia. Moscow has not kept important ceasefire commitments, and some 20,000 ethnic Georgians from the region remain forcibly displaced. At a minimum, Russians, Ossetians and Georgians need to begin addressing the local population’s basic needs by focusing on creating freedom of movement and economic and humanitarian links without status preconditions.

The war dealt a heavy physical, economic, demographic and political blow to South Ossetia. The permanent population had been shrinking since the early 1990s and now is unlikely to be much more than 30,000. The $840 million Russia has contributed in rehabilitation assistance and budgetary support has not significantly improved local conditions. With its traditional trading routes to the rest of Georgia closed, the small Ossetian economy has been reduced to little more than a service provider for the Russian military and construction personnel. Other than the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), no international humanitarian, development or monitoring organisation operates in the region; dependent on a single unreliable road to Russia, the inhabitants are isolated.

Claims and counterclaims about misappropriation of reconstruction funds complicate the relationship between the de facto president, Eduard Kokoity, and his Russian prime minister and undermine internal cohesion. While Russia controls decision-making in several key spheres, such as the border, public order and external relations, it has allowed South Ossetian elites a degree of manoeuvre on such internal matters as rehabilitation, reconstruction, education and local justice. Preoccupied with security threats on its own North Caucasus territory, Moscow has preferred to work with Kokoity and his entourage, who have shown unshakeable loyalty, rather than try a different leadership.

All but four countries, including Russia, continue to recognise South Ossetia as part of Georgia, and Ossetians and Georgians cannot avoid addressing common problems much longer. Lack of freedom of movement and detentions of people trying to cross the administrative boundary line (ABL) spoil the lives of all, regardless of ethnicity and risk increasing tensions. The EU monitoring mission (EUMM) in Georgia could play a vital role in promoting stability and acting as a deterrent to further military action, but with Russia and South Ossetia resisting its access, its effectiveness and response capability is limited.

Periodic talks in Geneva bring Russia, Georgia and representatives from South Ossetia and Abkhazia together but are bogged down over the inability to conclude an agreement on the non-use of force. Much less effort has been made to initiate incremental, practical measures that would address humanitarian needs. Positions on status are irreconcilable for the present and should be set aside. The immediate focus instead should be on securing freedom of movement for the local population and humanitarian and development organisations, which all parties are blocking to various degrees. The South Ossetians should be pressed to respect the right to return of ethnic Georgians, while Tbilisi should be more supportive of the few who either stayed in South Ossetia or have been able to go home. The Ossetians should lift their conditionality on the work of the joint Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) that has been created to deal with day-to-day issues along the ABL.

It will take a long time to rebuild any trust between the South Ossetians and Georgians, but a start is needed on steps that can make the confrontation more bearable for the people and less risky for regional stability.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To All Sides:

1. Agree urgently, without posing status or other political preconditions, on basic cooperation mechanisms and implementation modalities to ensure:

a) movement across the administrative boundary line (ABL) for local inhabitants and humanitarian and developmental organisations;

b) rights to property and return; and

c) economic freedom.

To the Government of the Russian Federation:

2. Implement fully the ceasefire agreements, which oblige Russia to reduce troop levels to those mandated before 8 August 2008, withdraw from previously unoccupied areas and allow access for international monitoring and humanitarian assistance missions to South Ossetia, particularly the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM).

3. Encourage the South Ossetian authorities to engage with the Georgian government to lower tensions and prevent incidents in the conflict zone and to participate in the joint IPRM.

4. Ensure that the right of return for Georgian internally displaced persons (IDPs) is recognised; facilitate their return to South Ossetia; and monitor and prevent human rights violations in South Ossetia.

5. Put strict controls on all transfers from the Russian federal budget to South Ossetia to limit corruption.

To the Government of Georgia:

6. Define, publicise and implement a generous policy on movement across the ABL for all residents, while continuing both to refrain from arbitrary detention of South Ossetian residents and to cooperate with international bodies (Council of Europe, ICRC, EUMM) in investigating cases of missing and detained people.

7. Facilitate small-scale economic activity across the ABL; encourage the EU, UN, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international bodies to develop initiatives to loosen South Ossetian dependence on Russia; and apply the Law on Occupied Territories to support these activities in line with the new State Strategy on Engagement through Cooperation.

To the Authorities in South Ossetia:

8. Refrain from arbitrary detentions of Georgian citizens and violation of their freedom of movement; release those detained since the August 2008 war; and cooperate with international mediators in investigating cases of missing and detained people.

9. Recognise the rights of Georgian IDPs and facilitate their step-by-step return.

10. Allow the EUMM and other international officials and organisations full access to South Ossetia.

11. Discuss day-to-day issues and security with Georgia; facilitate small-scale economic and social activities across the ABL; and resume participation in the joint IPRM.

12. Put priority on eradicating high-level corruption; pursue those who embezzle reconstruction assistance; and allow greater freedom for civil society initiatives.

To the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and other international actors:

13. Engage with Russian authorities in support of full implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreements.

14. Continue or renew contacts with authorities and civil society groups in South Ossetia; support dialogue between Georgian and South Ossetian authorities, as well as Georgian and South Ossetian civil society groups.

15. Continue efforts to monitor the human rights situation, with a special focus on freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions and political and socio-economic rights; and advocate the implementation of international norms and principles, including the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

Tskhinvali/Tbilisi/Istanbul/Moscow/Brussels, 7 June 2010

Stichworte: Georgien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Archiv: #

Der Krieg in Georgien - Ursachen des Konflikts und Folgen für das politische Weltklima

18.08.2009 | domradio | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |
Erschrocken reagierte die Weltöffentlichkeit auf die kriegerischen Auseinandersetzungen in Georgien: Russen und Georgier führten Krieg um die nach Unabhängigkeit strebenden georgischen Provinzen Südossetien und Abchasien. Noch sind die Folgen des kurzen Krieges nicht absehbar, doch klar ist: Der Krieg im Kaukasus verändert das politische Weltklima.
Dies drückt sich unter anderen darin aus, dass die USA mehrere geplante Militärübungen mit Russland abgesagt haben. Auch, dass sich Polen und die USA nach zweijährigen zähen Verhandlungen plötzlich auf den Aufbau einer US-Raketenabwehr und die Stationierung von Patriot-Abwehrraketen auf polnischem Gebiet geeinigt haben, scheint kein zufälliger Zeitpunkt.
Welche Ursachen - welche Folgen hat der Krieg in Georgien? Auf wessen Seite steht das internationale Völkerrecht und birgt das für diesen Konflikt Lösungen? Wie sieht das Leben für die Menschen in der Krisenregion nun aus? domradio -weltweit sucht Antworten im Gespräch mit Menschen in Georgien, Journalisten, Juristen und Hilfsorganisationen.
Dem Artikel sind mehrere Interviews beigefügt.
Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: deutsch, Archiv: #

NATO-GIPFEL 2010 IN LISSABON

20.11.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |
Georgien in der NATO-Gipfelerklärung - wörtliche Auszüge - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
- Stabilität und erfolgreiche politische und wirtschaftliche Reformen in Georgien sind wichtig für die euro-atlantische Stabilität
- Bukarest-Entscheidung in allen Entscheidungen wiederholt: Georgien wird ein NATO-Mitglied werden
- NATO-Russland-Kooperation ist von strategischer Bedeutung
20. ...Stability and successful political and economic reform in Georgia and Ukraine are important to Euro-Atlantic security. We will continue and develop the partnerships with these countries taking into account the Euro-Atlantic aspiration or orientation of each of the countries.
21. At the 2008 Bucharest Summit we agreed that Georgia will become a member of NATO and we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions. We will foster political dialogue and practical cooperation with Georgia, including through the NATO-Georgia Commission and the Annual National Programme. We strongly encourage and actively support Georgia’s continued implementation of all necessary reforms, particularly democratic, electoral and judicial reforms, as well as security and defence sector reforms, in order to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We welcome the recent opening of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia which will help in maximising our assistance and support for the country’s reform efforts. We welcome Georgia’s important contributions to NATO operations, in particular to ISAF. We reiterate our continued support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We encourage all participants in the Geneva talks to play a constructive role as well as to continue working closely with the OSCE, UN and the EU to pursue peaceful conflict resolution in the internationally-recognised territory of Georgia. We continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states...
23. ...NATO-Russia cooperation is of strategic importance, as reflected by today’s meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) at the level of Heads of State and Government in Lisbon. In light of common security interests, we are determined to build a lasting and inclusive peace, together with Russia, in the Euro-Atlantic Area. We need to share responsibility in facing up to common challenges, jointly identified. We want to see a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia, and we will act accordingly, with the expectation of reciprocity from Russia. We recommit ourselves to the goals, principles and commitments which underpin the NRC. On this firm basis, we urge Russia to meet its commitments with respect to Georgia, as mediated by the European Union on 12 August and 8 September 2008. Over the past year, NATO-Russia cooperation has progressed and produced notable results. We welcome, in particular, the completion of the Joint Review of 21st Century Common Security Challenges, which has identified practical cooperation projects on Afghanistan, including counter-narcotics; non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; counter-piracy; counter-terrorism; and disaster response. We also welcome the new extended arrangements offered by Russia to facilitate ISAF transit to and from Afghanistan. We are actively pursuing cooperation with Russia on missile defence, including through the resumption of theatre missile defence exercises. We will also want to discuss in the NRC a range of other topics, including Afghanistan; implementing OSCE principles; military deployments, including any that could be perceived as threatening; information sharing and transparency on military doctrine and posture, as well as the overall disparity in short-range nuclear weapons; arms control; and other security issues. We look forward to discussing all these matters in the NRC, which is a forum for political dialogue at all times and on all issues, including where we disagree. Our dialogue and cooperation with Russia also help us to resolve differences by building trust, mutual confidence, transparency, predictability and mutual understanding...
35. ... With our vision of a Euro-Atlantic area at peace, the persistence of protracted regional conflicts in South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova continues to be a matter of great concern for the Alliance. We urge all parties to engage constructively and with reinforced political will in peaceful conflict resolution, and to respect the current negotiation formats. We call on them all to avoid steps that undermine regional security and stability. We remain committed in our support of the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, and will also continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these regional conflicts, taking into account these principles.
Russ. Präsident Medvedev: Georgien 'wahrscheinlich schwerwiegendste' Unstimmigkeit mit NATO - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, said that at Lisbon summit NATO and Moscow made “a significant step forward” towards boosting cooperation, but also said that differences, including on Georgia, remain.
“One of the most serious differences probably is about our assessment of 2008 events – attitude towards what has happened in August, 2008, towards those geopolitical changes, which occurred at that time; in particular emergence of two new states – South Ossetia and Abkhazia. But we [Russia and NATO] have noted that this issue should not become a stumbling stone,” Medvedev said while speaking at a news conference after NATO-Russia Council meeting in Lisbon on November 20.
“We have agreed that [differences] should not disrupt our relations,” he said. “On the contrary, we should work on finding ways out of these difficult situations. We should work on hearing each others’ arguments.”
Medvedev said that in overall the Lisbon summit was “a significant step forward towards strengthening our relations” and for that reason, he added, this summit was “a historic event.”
Georgien in der Abschlusserklärung des NATO-Gipfels in Lissabon - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
... Wie die Erklärung nach dem Strasbourg/Kehl-Gipfel ruft die jüngste Erklärung Russland auf, "seine Anerkennung von der Südossetien- und Abchasien-Region von Georgien als unabhängige Staaten rückgängig zu machen". ...
Like NATO’s new strategic concept, in respect of Georgia, the final declaration of Lisbon summit reiterates the decision taken by NATO leaders at 2008 Bucharest summit, that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance.
It also reaffirms subsequent decisions taken by the Alliance in respect of Georgia, which among others also includes the one of 2009 Strasbourg/Kehl summit in which NATO leaders said that Georgia’s Annual National Programme, setting reforms targets, will help Georgia in advancing its reforms “without prejudice to further decisions which must be taken about MAP” – Membership Action Plan, a precursor to an eventual membership to which Georgia was refused at 2008 Bucharest summit.
Like the 2009 Strasbourg/Kehl declaration, the recent one again calls on Russia “to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states.”
While noting that NATO wants to see “a true strategic partnership” with Russia, the Lisbon summit declaration reiterates support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and calls on Moscow “to meet its commitments with respect to Georgia” undertaken under the August 12, 2008 six-point ceasefire agreement and follow up treaty of September 8, 2008.
It says that “protracted regional conflicts” in South Caucasus and in Moldova “continues to be a matter of great concern for the Alliance.”
“We strongly encourage and actively support Georgia’s continued implementation of all necessary reforms, particularly democratic, electoral and judicial reforms, as well as security and defence sector reforms, in order to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the declaration reads.
NATO-Generalsekretär Rasmussen sagt, eine verbesserte NATO-Russland-Beziehung werde in veritabler Weise dazu beitragen, eine Lösung im Konflikt Georgien-Russland zu finden - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who announced about launch of “fundamentally new relations” between NATO and Russia, said improved ties between the Alliance and Moscow would also help to resolve conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Speaking at a news conference after a meeting between NATO leaders and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Lisbon, Rasmussen said that the Alliance and Russia “agreed in writing that while we face main security challenges we pose no threat to each other.”
"For the first time the two sides will be cooperating to defend themselves," Rasmussen said.
Asked how “fundamentally new relations” between Russia and NATO might effect conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi, Rasmussen responded: “I hope to see a resolution to that very unfortunate conflict and I can assure that within the framework, we have created for consultations with Russia, we will continue to discuss the Georgia issue.”
“The NATO position remains the same; we insist on full respect of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; we will continue to pursue a non-recognition policy as regards Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
"Generally speaking, I do believe, that an improved relationship between NATO and Russia will also contribute in a valuable way to find the solutions to the conflict between Russia and Georgia," Rasmussen said.
Präsident Saakashvili über 'fruchtbarste diplomatische Woche' - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
President Saakashvili said this week was the most “fruitful” in terms of diplomatic successes for Georgia under his presidency.
Speaking to a group of Georgian journalists in Lisbon on sideline of NATO summit after meeting with President Obama, Saakashvili said that NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s resolution, his trip to Brussels to meet with EU leadership and talks with his U.S. counterpart, as well as his upcoming speech before the European Parliament on November 23 was marking failure of Russia’s attempts “to cast away and sideline” Georgia on the international arena.
“I am on this post [of the President] for many years already, but I do not remember having - and we have not had – such a fruitful international week. It means that all the attempts – and lots of money have been invested in those attempts - to somehow weaken… and to cast away and sideline Georgia [have foiled] and on the contrary, those attempts boomeranged against perpetrators of those attempts,” Saakashvili said.
“This indicates on the fact that in every type of relations the truth will always prevail and good will always defeat evil. We need patience.”
“In the 21st century, nobody will last long as an occupying force on a territory of the European country. This status of an occupier has been established and support to Georgia has been strengthened. What we need now is patience, unity – and I think that our people have this unity today – and we need hard work to make Georgia stronger,” he said.
Saakashvili said that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly resolution, which mentions “occupation” and “ethnic cleansing”, was not “a minor event” and it was a result of “a huge diplomatic struggle.”
He also said that he was the only President of non-EU member state to be honored with an opportunity to address the European Parliament twice. He first addressed MEPs in November, 2006.
"It happens not because there is a special attention personally to me, but because of support of Europe and rest of the world towards Georgia," he said.
Präsident Saakashvili 'zufrieden' mit den Gesprächen mit Obama - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia
Schon die Tatsache, dass Präsident Obama nur wenige Treffen neben dem NATO-Gipfel einplante und dabei Georgien berücksichtigte, war eine wichtige Botschaft.
President Saakashvili said the fact that President Obama’s scheduled of few bilateral meetings on sidelines of NATO Lisbon summit also included talks with his Georgian counterpart was in itself “an important message”.
“I am very satisfied with this meeting,” Saakashvili told a group of Georgian journalists in Lisbon after meeting with President Obama late on November 19 evening. “As you know this was President Obama’s only meeting here at NATO summit, apart his meetings with [Afghan] President Karzai and with the hosts [referring to Portuguese leaders] – and you know that Afghanistan tops the agenda of this summit; actually he had no other meetings here except of these ones. Of course this is already in itself an important message.”
“During the meeting the President [Obama] made an extremely supportive statements about reforms in Georgia; he assessed highly democratic and economic reforms carried out in Georgia; he demonstrated good knowledge of details of the situation [in Georgia]; not only he reiterated support to Georgia’s territorial integrity, but [also demonstrated] that they [the U.S. authorities] are working on this issue and of course [Obama expressed] support towards the path, which will lead us to the NATO membership,” Saakashvili said.
'Georgien bleibt in Afghanistan bis die Mission vollendet ist' - 19.11.2010, Civil Georgia
President Saakashvili said on November 19 that Georgia would remain committed to the Afghan mission until it's accomplished.
Saakashvili made the remarks at a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, on a sideline of NATO summit in Lisbon.
“You know we are second biggest per capita contributors to Afghanistan in terms of numbers of troops. We have no caveats and we are fighting alongside the Americans, Canadians, with British and we are willing to stay there until the mission is accomplished,” he said.
Georgia has 950 troops in Afghanistan; five Georgian soldiers were killed in combat in two separate incidents in early and late September.
Saakashvili also said at the meeting with the Canadian PM: “We love Canada in Georgia, not only in Georgia, but in the whole region, and not only because it’s a great country but it has been paying great attention to our region. It has been outspoken in defence of values and it’s a great ally in Afghanistan."
Georgian State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Issues, Giorgi Baramidze, said that Canada "is an active supporter to Georgia's NATO integration." "These relations are very important for us," he said.
Meanwhile, Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister, Giga Bokeria, said on November 19, that Georgia was expecting that NATO summit in Lisbon would give a "firm" recommitment to its decision at the Bucharest summit in 2008 to eventual Georgian membership.
“We hope and we have a ground to hope that at this summit a very clear message will be made about future of Georgia’s NATO membership – that is a very firm reiteration of the NATO Bucharest summit decision; as you know there have been speculations on this issue and it is important to remove all the question marks about it,” Bokeria said.

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #

Int. Gerichtshof von Den Haag hält im September vier öffentliche Anhörungen im Fall Georgien gegen Russland ab

22.07.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold four public hearings in September into the case initiated two years ago by Georgia against Russia, the Hague-based court said in a statement on August 5.
Georgia filed application to ICG on August 12, 2008 over Russia’s “serious violations of its fundamental obligations” under the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) “during three distinct phases of its interventions in South Ossetia and Abkhazia” in the period between 1990 and August 2008.
ICJ said in the statement that all four public hearings from September 13 to September 17, during which Russia and Georgia will present their arguments, “will concern solely the preliminary objections to jurisdiction raised by the Russian Federation.”
Russia presented its preliminary objections on jurisdiction to ICJ in December, 2009, as Russia claims that the Hague-based court is not competent to rule on the case.
Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Krieg-2008, Appell, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

134 Georgier reichen Klagen gegen Russland am europäischen Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte ein

16.02.2010 | Civil.ge | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |

134 Georgier reichen Klagen am europäischen Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte ein; sie klagen gegen Russland wegen der Verletzung etlicher europäischer Menschenrechte wahrend des Krieges im August 2008:
134 Georgian citizens lodged complaints to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last week, claiming that Russia violated number of European human rights laws against them during the 2008, August war.
Tbilisi-based Georgian young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) and its London-based partner European Human Rights Advocacy Center (EHRAC), acting on behalf of the 134 applicants, said the applications primarily concern cases of shelling and air attacks on villages; destruction of property and the killing or injuring of civilians and the deliberate burning and looting of houses.
The applications, which are in 34 groups, originate from the Georgian villages within the breakaway South Ossetia and the surrounding areas (Achabeti, Argvitsi, Atsriskhevi, Avlevi, Berula, Brotsleti, Dzartsemi, Dvani, Eredvi, Kekhvi, Kere, Kitsnisi, Ksuisi, Kurta, Satskheneti, Tkviavi, Vanati, Zardiaantkari and Zemo Khviti), as well as from the town of Gori.
“These cases raise important questions about the applicability of the ECHR to a conflict situation, and they will also test the ‘reach’ of the ECHR - the applicants are asking the Court to find Russia responsible for violations perpetrated by its armed forces outside Russian territory,” EHRAC said.
“The Court will also be asked to decide that the Russian Federation was responsible both for the actions of its armed forces and of Ossetian militia.”
The complaints have been lodged against Russia based on the principle of “effective control”, which the Russian forces have been exerting on the territories concerned, Natia Katsitadze, a lawyer with GYLA, told Civil.Ge
Last January, ECHR said it had examined seven applications lodged against Georgia in connection with the August war and the Chamber decided to give priority to these applications.
These applications were lodged by six residents of South Ossetia and a member of the Russian armed forces attached to the peacekeeping troops in Tskhinvali, according to ECHR.
In these cases the applicants claim violation of their or their close relatives’ right to life, inhuman or degrading treatment, interference with the right to respect for private and family life and home, damage to property or its destruction, absence of an effective domestic remedy and discrimination on the ground of ethnic origin.

früherer Artikel:
ECHR to Hear Georgia vs. Russia Case - 04.07.2009, Civil Georgia

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) said on July 3 it found Georgia’s complaints against Russia over deportations admissible for hearing.

The Strasbourg-based court said in a statement that it “has declared admissible the application lodged in the case of Georgia v. Russia.”

“The Court’s admissibility decision in no way prejudges the merits of the Georgian Government’s complaints. The Court will deliver its judgment at a later date,” it said.

Tbilisi wants Moscow to reimburse pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages for the alleged violation of the rights of hundreds of ethnic Georgians deported from the Russian Federation.

Over 2,000 ethnic Georgians were deported from Russia in late September 2006 and early 2007 following Russian-Georgian spy row.

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #

Appeal to the members of NATO - “NATO-membership for Georgia”

- NATO 60th Anniversary -

Appeal to the members of NATO - “NATO-membership for Georgia”

by the Georgian Diaspora community, 03.04.2009

NATO 60th Anniversary - Appeal to the members of NATO - NATO-membership for Georgia - englischer Aufruf 03.04.2009 als PDF-Datei - english appeal as PDF-file

The members of the Georgian Diaspora in Europe and the USA send their sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Alliance and express all the best wishes for a peaceful future.

Georgian people, even if they live far from their homeland, have strong feelings and emotions about the fate of their beloved and coveted Georgia. Perhaps because of the distance they are worrying even more on what happens there.

And Georgian people have reasons to worry. For 3000 years, conquerors from every direction have coveted this wonderful land. The small Georgian states had to defend their independence against grand peoples like the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Seljuks, Turks, Mongolians, Russians, and these peoples came again and again.

Now we appeal to give the independent and democratic states Georgia and Ukraine as quick as possible the MAP or even full NATO membership.

We appeal to continue to support the Georgian government and nation on the way to NATO. A repeat of 1921 – when Soviet Russia attacked and conquered the first democratic Georgian republic, because Georgia was abandoned by democratic Western states – must not happen again.

We strongly believe that NATO must integrate Georgia and Ukraine, because they belong to a complete European NATO community. Both have European Christian traditions and modern democratic state structures. By plebiscite in Georgia 77% of voters favoured Georgian membership of NATO. Only with their membership is a peaceful and stable future in Europe possible!

The NATO membership of Georgia as the central country and as the transit way for energy and goods in the Caucasus region is a guarantee for peace and stability in the whole Caucasus. For this purpose the territorial integrity of Georgia must be respected.

Energy security is also very important for NATO members in the future. Georgia as transit country to Europe from the Caspian and Persian region offers alternative routes beside Russia and reduces the already existing dependence on Russian energy net. Therefore security and stability in Georgia creates also security and stability in the whole Caucasus and Europe.

Good neighbourhood relations to the NATO member Turkey could be strengthened and Turkey in its geographical outstanding position would get more assistance and support.

In a certain way the situation of Georgia nowadays is comparable with the situation of West Germany in 1955. The incorporation of West Germany into the organization completed the NATO structure in front of the Soviet Union sphere. This act was directly executed without MAP, even in a tensed pre-war situation and protected Germany against Soviet aggression up to the present. And today is already the 230th day of Russia violating the “six-point peace plan” against Georgia and still occupying 20% of Georgian territory.

We want to commemorate You the history and situation of Georgia:
For 3000 years conquerors from every direction have coveted this wonderful land. The small Georgian states had to defend their independence against grand peoples like the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Seljuks, Turks, Mongolians, Russians and these peoples came again and again.

Georgia never started campaigns and wars to conquer land outside of traditional Georgian settlement areas or to oppress neighbours. The culture in Georgia was always high developed, Christian belief became already 327 state religion and the Silk Road through Georgia was connecting Europe with the Orient. Georgia was always a multi-cultural country and lived in peace with religious and ethnic minorities, which were integrated in the society and even state administration. For example Ossetian people came in middle age time as refugees, survived as ethnical group and could keep their language and traditions because of the tolerance of Georgian nation up to the present.

At last the growing Russian empire reached the Caucasus in the 18th century and managed 1801 the annexation of the weakened, for help against Turkey asking Georgia. But brave Georgians survived then the russification in the 19th century with the foundation of the “Democratic Republic of Georgia” in 1918, immediately recognized by Germany and the Ottoman Empire, 1920 by Soviet Union, 1921 by the League of Nations. This, however, did not prevent the country from being attacked by Soviet Russia one month later. The sovietisation started then, because democratic Western states were not ready to recognize the consequences for the future. The elected government of Georgia went into exile in France, about 50,000 Georgians were executed and killed in 1921-1924, more than 150,000 were purged in 1935-1938.

In the time of perestroika freedom-loving Georgian people were the first, who started with demonstrations for freedom and independence in 1989. They could realize this at last in 1991, following examples of European democratic states. This transition got immediately undermined by the Russian influence, which reinstalled the old soviet nomenklatura, using for this also the ethnical conflict zones. The Rose Revolution in 2003 brought to power young politicians, who were educated in Western countries and started a new policy against corruption and for economical development inside the country. In foreign policy Georgia chose the way to EU and NATO, supported by US and European organisations and politicians. Because Russia by itself didn’t go this way to modern democratic structures and tolerant behaviour to his neighbours, at 2008 the Russian government finalized the plans from the past against Georgia and occupied with its military superiority, what they wanted to possess by themselves, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The other aim, to unseat president Saakashvili, was interrupted by diplomatic international interventions. By the way they damaged the Georgian infrastructure, the reputation of the Georgian government and the hope of a peaceful future in the Caucasus and Europe.

Georgian diaspora recognizes a “dual strategy” of Russian foreign policy:
bargaining, but then realizing and taking, what only they want, ignoring agreements !

The policy of the Russian government still doesn’t respect the free decisions of other nations about their future. This can’t be the political order of the 21th century.

Russian parliament passed an 25% increase of military spending and the government introduced an aggressive style of rhetoric, far away from peaceful cooperation and fair dialogue between nations.

The unilateral recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the support of the de facto regimes with military equipment shows, that Russia continues heating up the ethnic conflicts and the separatism in Georgia. Additionally Russia started to build military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and signed agreements about military cooperation and protection.

Russia still doesn’t abide by the “six-point peace plan”, signed in August 2008 by Russian President Medvedev, French President Sarkozy and Georgian President Saakashvili.
( Georgia asked for the additions in parentheses, but Russia rejected them. )

1. No recourse to the use of force.
2. Definitive cessation of hostilities.
3. Free access to humanitarian aid (addition rejected: and to allow the return of refugees).
4. The Armed Forces of Georgia must withdraw to their permanent positions.
5. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation must withdraw to the line where they were stationed prior to the beginning of hostilities. Prior to the establishment of international mechanisms the Russian peacekeeping forces will take additional security measures. (addition rejected: six months)
6. An international debate on the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and ways to ensure their lasting security will take place. (addition rejected: based on the decisions of the UN and the OSCE)

by Russian side broken treaties and agreements against Georgia in the past:

1783 Friendship “Treaty of Georgievsk” with Russia, but: no military help against a Persian attack and later annexation in spite of the guaranteed sovereignty!
1920 “Moscow Peace Treaty” with the recognition of Georgia by Soviet Union under the condition, that Georgia should be neutral. Therefore British troops left Georgia and shortly afterwards in 1921 the Red army attacked unprotected Georgia.
1989 „Constitution of the Soviet Union“, which guaranteed the „inviolability of persons“, but on a demonstration in Tbilisi Russian special units killed 22 Georgian citizens.
1991 „Constitution of the Soviet Union“ didn’t allow Russian military help for the Ossetian separatists. In 1990 no formal intervention against Ossetian independence declaration!
1992 Armistice in Abkhazia and 1993 peace treaty in Abkhazia, but both times instead no peacekeeping, military help for separatists and offensive with genocide of Georgians.

We want to remember You to statements and opinions out of the past to Georgia:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
“Georgia will be, if it wants, and it wants, member of the NATO”, Angela Merkel said in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Sunday directly after her meeting with the Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili. “The situation did not change for me at this point.”
(Welt, 17.07.2008)

Former US-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
“And you know, I don’t mean to sound at all cavalier about it, but there was one huge territorial dispute at the inception of NATO. It was called East Germany. And we did not prevent, therefore, West Germany for – from being a founding – for coming into NATO. And ultimately, it was in NATO that Germany not only overcame its division, but overcame its very difficult history with its neighbours through a democratic peace. And we need to remember that history, when we talk about territorial problems for Georgia.”
(Warsaw, Poland, August 20, 2008)

Estonian President Toomas Ilves
“It is highly regrettable, that the NATO couldn´t agree on, to offer these two countries (Georgia and Ukraine) the membership of the Access Programm (MAP). Obviously this was interpreted by Russia, that these countries remain in their area of influence.”
(FAZ, 13.08.08)

Russian President Dmitrij Medwedjew
“NATO provoked the Caucasus conflict.”
(SZ, 19.09.2008)

Former US-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
“The conflict in Georgia, thus, has deep roots. And clearly, all sides made mistakes and miscalculations. But several key facts are clear: On August 7th, following repeated violations of the ceasefire in South Ossetia, including the shelling of Georgian villages, the Georgian government launched a major military operation into Tskhinvali and other areas of the separatist region. ... But the situation deteriorated further when Russia’s leaders violated Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – and launched a full scale invasion across an internationally-recognized border. … What is more disturbing about Russia’s actions is that they fit into a worsening pattern of behavior over several years now.“
“Russia’s invasion of Georgia has achieved – and will achieve – no enduring strategic objective. And our strategic goal now is to make clear to Russia’s leaders that their choices could put Russia on a one-way path to self-imposed isolation and international irrelevance.”
“We cannot afford to validate the prejudices that some Russian leaders seem to have: that if you press free nations hard enough – if you bully them, and you threaten them, and you lash out – they will cave in, and they’ll forget, and eventually they will concede.”
(Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, September 18, 2008)

Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, Appell, Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #