Georgian Foreign Ministry accuses Russia of militarizing country’s separatist regions

Georgian Foreign Ministry has accused Russia of "illegal" actions on militarization of the country's separatist regions.

"According to electronic media, Russia is continuing to build up its military presence in Abkhazia and in the Tskhinvali region - Georgia's inalienable parts which are currently nder occupation. The Russian military has notably deployed new T-90A tanks and other offensive military equipment to its so-called "7th military base" in Abkhazia," Georgian Foreign Ministry's statement reads on Thursday.

The statement reads that "these illegal actions are further proof that the Russian Federation never intended to fulfil its international commitments - including the provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008 - and that it does not plan to do so. Its military build-up in Georgia's occupied territories is also in violation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (or CFE Treaty)".

The statement also reads it is obvious that Russia unlawfully declared the suspension of its participation in the CFE Treaty so as to be free to reinforce its military presence in the areas to which the Treaty applies. The Georgian government has repeatedly drawn the international community's attention to this matter.

"Russia's actions run counter to universally-recognized norms and principles of international law and pose a threat to peace and stability not only in the Caucasus but throughout Europe as a whole", the statement says.


/Trend/