The United States has strongly condemned and refused to recognize the so-called elections held in the Tskhinvali region, which is occupied by Russia. The elections, held on June 9, 2024, have been labeled as illegitimate by the US and several international partners. The Georgian Foreign Ministry has also condemned the elections, stating that they violate Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This stance has been echoed by various international entities, reinforcing the global support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.
US and International Response
The US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien, stated that the US condemns and does not recognize the fake parliamentary elections in South Ossetia, occupied by Russia. He emphasized that these elections were held without Georgia’s consent and violate its sovereignty. The US fully supports Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This sentiment was shared by other international partners, including the European Union and several countries, who have also condemned the elections.
The European Union’s lead spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, reiterated that the EU does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework in which the so-called elections took place. He affirmed the EU’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Similarly, the French Ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, and the United Kingdom’s Embassy in Georgia have expressed their non-recognition of the elections and their support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the illegitimate elections, stating that they breach the August 2008 ceasefire agreement and its implementing measures. Estonia, along with Latvia and Iceland, reaffirmed their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also condemned the elections and reiterated its support for Georgia.
Georgian Government’s Stance
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has been vocal in its condemnation of the elections, stating that they grossly violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. The Ministry emphasized that the elections are illegitimate and do not reflect the will of the people in the occupied region. The Georgian government has called on the international community to continue supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and to condemn the actions of the occupying forces.
The Georgian government has also highlighted the importance of international support in maintaining its territorial integrity. The Ministry has urged its international partners to take a firm stance against the illegitimate elections and to support Georgia in its efforts to restore its territorial integrity. The government has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict and to the protection of the rights of its citizens in the occupied regions.
The Georgian government has also called for increased international pressure on Russia to comply with its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The Ministry has stressed the need for Russia to withdraw its occupation forces from Georgia and to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Georgian government has expressed its gratitude to its international partners for their continued support and solidarity.
Impact on Regional Stability
The illegitimate elections in the occupied Tskhinvali region have raised concerns about regional stability. The elections have been seen as a provocative act by the occupying forces, which could further escalate tensions in the region. The international community has expressed its concern about the potential impact of the elections on regional stability and has called for restraint from all parties involved.
The elections have also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Georgia in maintaining its territorial integrity. The Georgian government has called for increased international support to address these challenges and to ensure the protection of its sovereignty. The government has emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has called for dialogue with the occupying forces.
The international community has also called for increased efforts to address the humanitarian situation in the occupied regions. The elections have further exacerbated the challenges faced by the people living in these regions, who continue to suffer from the impact of the occupation. The international community has called for increased humanitarian assistance to support the affected populations and to address their needs.
