Georgian PM cites wish to peacefully resolve problems with Abkhazia, S. Ossetia
TBILISI. Sept 22 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said at the UN General Assembly session that the conflicts with Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be resolved peacefully.
"The conflict should be settled peacefully with regard for the sovereignty and recognition of the territorial integrity of Georgia in the borders recognized by the international community," Kvirikashvili was quoted as saying by the government press service on Thursday.
"Twenty percent of the territory of Georgia is now occupied by a foreign country's troops, which are preventing thousands of refugees from returning to their homes. The wire fences built by the occupants in the conflict zones and the division constructions are keeping families from reuniting. The people who live in the occupied territory are constantly discriminated against, their travel and education in their native language are restricted," he said.
The prime minister condemned the organization of the Russian State Duma elections in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "I condemn this fact and I see it as another step in Moscow's annexation policies. All these things are taking place in a situation of the absence of international monitoring," Kvirikashvili said.
He said the Georgian authorities are trying to establish such relations with Russia in which "real work will become possible."
"We have achieved certain results in relieving tensions with Russia, but the steps taken by Georgia were not followed by any decisions made in response. The Russian Federation continues violating the 2008 ceasefire agreement, which was reached with the assistance of the EU," the prime minister said.