Statement by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Georgia
- On: 12.12.2008
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the dismantling by the Russian armed forces on 11 December of the Perevi checkpoint, situated in the zone to the west of South Ossetia, pursuant to the agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008. The French Presidency had repeatedly requested this withdrawal, particularly at the EU-Russia Summit on 14 November. The Presidency hopes that this withdrawal is definitive.
It underlines the importance for all the villagers who were obliged to leave their homes to be able to return and for free civilian and humanitarian access to the village of Perevi to be guaranteed. The EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia should ensure this.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union recalls that the issue of the Akhalgori valley remains where thousands of Georgians from this region are still unable to return to their homes. This issue must be addressed within the framework of the Geneva process. The Presidency hopes that the same conditions with respect to free access for civilians and humanitarian aid are ensured as soon as possible in the Akhalgori valley, which remains blocked by Russian and South Ossetian checkpoints.
- Updated: 31.12.2008
