A group of European Security Council Members has appeared at the United Nations for the specific purpose of supporting Georgia, and condemning the occupation of her territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Statement--released by the Mission of Norway--was joined by the representatives of Estonia, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Albania. It echoed the one made a year ago by a similar group of Council Members. It pledged “unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

The discussion of the situation in Georgia came at the end of a regular Council Meeting, under the general agenda category of “Any Other Business”.

The countries’ statement stated that “We condemn Russia’s continuous provocations, which have continued despite the ongoing pandemic”. It also recited various recent events, which constitute grave abuses of basic human rights. And it noted also the total absence in the Georgian territories of “any human rights monitoring mechanism”.

The statement called for “humanitarian access to all civilians in need”. It called for a peaceful resolution of the Georgia-

Russia conflict, based on international law. And finally, it called upon Russia “to fully implement its obligations and commitments”. 

The above statement was made by a small but wide cross-section of members of the United Nations Security Council. It shows clear and unequivocal support for Georgia’s independence, and her territorial integrity. And it clearly condemns Russia’s multiple violations of Georgia’s territory, by her occupation of Abkahzia and invasion of South Ossetia. That invasion occurred over thirteen years ago this month, in August of 2008. The statement is also largely reflective of world public opinion. Hardly any country—save Russia—was in any way opposed to it, or expressed any contrary sentiments. But the status quo, for the present remains the same: two substantial pieces of Georgia’s sovereign territory remain occupied by a hostile foreign power.

George Baumgarten, United Nations Correspondent