The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the so-called presidential elections and referendum that are being held on 9 April 2017 in occupied Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has issued a statement regarding the so-called presidential elections and referendum in South Ossetia.

Text of the statement:

"According to the international law, any so-called elections or referendum in the occupied territories of Georgia are illegal and cannot have any legal effect. This provocative act by the Russian occupation forces grossly violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and represents yet another attempt to legitimize the consequences of several waves of ethnic cleansing, military invasion and ongoing occupation of Georgian regions.

Holding the so-called referendum on changing the name of one of the oldest Georgian regions into “Republic of South Ossetia — State of Alania” that is similar to one of the federal subjects of the Russian Federation aims at laying the ground for its illegal annexation. This intention has been vividly demonstrated also by recently signed so-called agreement on incorporation of the unlawful military units of the Tskhinvali region into the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

By such provocative actions, the Russian Federation intentionally impedes the efforts of peaceful conflict resolution, including within the Geneva International Discussions and hinders the confidence building between the communities divided by occupation lines.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia appeals to the international community to give a due assessment to the illegal so-called elections and referendum and calls upon the Russian Federation to respect the fundamental principles of international law and withdraw its military forces from the Georgian territory."
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