Mr. Chairperson,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the delegation of the European Union, which we fully support. We would also like to add some remarks in the national capacity.

Russia`s defiance of norms and principles of international law and undertaken commitments is reflected, in particular, in the continued illegal occupation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia ten years after the Russian military aggression against the neighboring sovereign state of Georgia.

Amongst numerous deep concerns over increasingly deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied regions, we draw particular attention to and condemn the significant borderisation activities carried out by the Russian occupation administration in Tskhinvali since early November 2018. These illegal steps further compound the blatant violations of fundamental norms and principles of international law committed by Russia. We urge Russia to immediately cease these illegal actions and fully implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, to withdraw its military forces from the occupied territories of Georgia and allow the establishment of international security arrangements on the ground.   

We express concern over the latest disruptions of the IPRMs in both Gali and Ergneti due to the walk-outs of representatives of Russia and its occupation regimes. We share calls for immediate return to the usual working setting of the IPRMs in full respect of the founding principles and ground rules.

In conclusion, Ukraine reaffirms its strong support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.