Georgia protests against Russian military base in South Ossetia

Georgia expressed protest against the agreement on deployment of joint Russian military base in South Ossetia signed in Moscow on April 7.

The agreement's term is 49 years.

It can be subsequently extended by 15 years. The Foreign Ministry of Georgia highlights the similar document was signed with Abkhazia on February 17.

"Instead of carrying out its international obligations, Russia strengthens military presence on the occupied territories of Georgia and tries to place within "quasi legitimate" frames the process of creation of military bases for its occupation troops.

At the same time, it is obvious that such actions of Russia just only promote destabilization in the region and create favourable ground for constant provocations from the side of Russia and proxy regimes," the statement says.

Tbilisi believes the documents signed between Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, violate norms and principles of the international law and in general they are "another manifestation of the purposeful policy of occupation and annexation of integral parts of territory of Georgia."

The Ministry reminds Russia that from the point of view of international law any such accords are deprived of any legal effects and are invalid.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its strong protest over these destructive actions of Russia and urges the international community to give due assessment to these unlawful actions, which create a direct threat to peace and stability in region," the statement concludes.


/Georgia Times/