Madame President,
Estonia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union.
The European Court of Human Rights’ judgement in the inter-State case concerning the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation in August 2008 and its consequences concluded that after 12 August 2008 the Russian Federation exercises effective control over occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia; and has violated several provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights. This decision is a first step in restoring justice.
We urge the Russian Federation to fulfil all its obligations under the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement and its subsequent implementing measures.
We regret that the human rights situation in the occupied regions of Georgia gradually deteriorates.
We call on the de facto authorities of Tskhinvali and Sukhumi and on those who exercise effective control over the occupied regions of Georgia, to release immediately all those illegally detained along the administrative boundary lines.
We’d like to recall an incident of 7th March in the village of Khurvaleti. Russian so-called border guards unlawfully entered deep into the Tbilisi-administered territory. Nevertheless, they were released on the same day as sign of good will by Georgian side.
Estonia regrets that there has been no progress in granting OHCHR and other international humanitarian and human rights organizations unhindered access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. With this in mind, we welcome the resolution brought again to this Council by Georgia under the technical cooperation agenda item.
Thank you.