Today, the principles on which the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is founded face serious challenges. My country was one of the first that has experienced the consequences of violation of those norms and principles, resulting in the occupation of 20% of its territory by Russia. Russia’s war against Ukraine that poses the biggest threat to European security today is the clear continuation of its aggressive actions in Georgia”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia said during her speech at the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Malta.

Maka Botchorishvili emphasized that Russia continues the illegal occupation of Georgia’s integral parts - Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region - in blatant violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law. She highlighted the difficult security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in the regions of Georgia occupied by Russia and noted that the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement remains unfulfilled.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of international security and monitoring mechanisms in the occupied territories.

She also spoke about the necessity of the peaceful conflict resolution and the consolidation of international support. In this context, she highlighted the significant role of the Geneva International Discussions.

“Georgia values the support of its partners for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is of the utmost importance to keep the issue of a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict among the top priorities on the international agenda”, - said Maka Botchorishvili.