The FINANCIAL — Georgian Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili took part in the High-level Thematic Debate (Maintenance of International Peace and Security) within the framework of the UN General Assembly, according to MFA of Georgia.
The Minister spoke extensively about the security challenges in the region and in Georgia, in particular: “the more “traditional” threats caused by military expansion and use of force against the neighbours still remain at the core of regional and international instability. Unlike our expectations in the early 90s, today’s Europe is neither free from confrontation, nor at peace.
European security is being once again deliberately challenged by Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Annexation of Crimea and the tragic events taking place in the Eastern part of Ukraine should be duly responded by the entire international community” – Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
Speaking from the UN tribune, Giorgi Kvirikashvili once again focused on Russia’s annexation policy with respect to Georgia: “Following the recognition of the so-called independence of these regions, Russia has been pursuing the policy of creeping annexation. This policy manifested in the signing of dozens of the so called “treaties” and “agreements” by Moscow, providing the pretext for continued illegal military presence and envisaging full merger in all spheres of public domain. By these actions, Russia aims at countering the independent foreign policy of a sovereign state in its choice of European future and democratic values” – the Foreign Minister said.
He added that Georgia remains dedicated to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. According to him, Georgia has been consistently committed to diplomacy and peaceful talks. It is in this spirit that the Prime Minister designated special envoy for the relations with the Russian Federation and we continue our constructive participation in the Geneva International Discussions as the principle forum to discuss the outstanding security-related and humanitarian issues with the Russian Federation “ while Moscow refuses to reciprocate with the unilateral pledge on the non-use of force, hampers any meaningful discussion on the establishment of international security arrangements and obstructs progress on the purely humanitarian issues, first of all the right of IDPs and refugees to safe and dignified return”.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili called upon the international community to be steadfast in its adherence to the international law and the fundamental pillars of our security architecture. “Unified international stance in support of the principles is the only mechanism available at our disposal to ensure international order and prevent aggressor states from undermining peace and security” – Giorgi Kvirikashvili is quoted as saying.
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