Anna Fotyga, a Chair of the  European Parliament"s Subcommittee on Security and Defence  releases a statement on the developments in Georgia"s occupied territories.

" I would like to express my deep concern about latest developments in Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region, occupied regions in Georgia, namely the so-called “parliamentary elections” and “presidential elections”, which are taking place against the background of waves of ethnic cleansing in both regions and of serious violations of human rights. Any attempt to legitimize forcibly changed demographic situation of both regions is unacceptable.

I condemn the so-called referendum planned on April 9 in South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region aimed at changing its name, which is aimed to prepare ground for its illegal annexation. The democratic world should give an adequate assessment to this provocative attempt to gradually incorporate the region into the Russian Federation.

I also strongly condemn the signing of so-called agreement on incorporation of the unlawful military units of the occupied Tskhinvali region into the Russian armed forces that took place on 31 March 2017. This step continues a policy of annexation that began with signing of so-called treaties of strategic alliance between Russia and its occupation regimes. The EU should make it clear that by these provocative actions Russia is seriously harming the GID, intentionally obstructs any potential progress in the peace process and continue refusal to commit to the non-use of force in the region and to comply with the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement,"- reads the statement.

The President of Ukraine has assessed the decision as " historical" naming it a " present for Ukrainian people.