A Russian troop increase of 2,000 in breakaway South Ossetia, bringing total troop strength to 7,000, “increases the threat of greater aggression,” the parliament of Georgia said in a statement passed on October 23.

Parliament’s statement reads that ongoing construction a new road linking Tskhinvali to Akhalgori, which, Parliament claims, has a military purpose, is also a source of concern.

It also says that the Russian military presence in the Georgian villages around Tskhinvali, as well as in the Akhalgori region and in the village of Perevi, represents “a blatant violation” of the August 12 six-point ceasefire accord, which envisages the withdrawal of forces to pre-conflict positions.

Parliament called on the international community to demand that Russia meet its ceasefire commitments; refrain from “provocative actions” and give up plans to set up military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia; “reverse the results of the ethnic cleansing committed by [Russia] and foster the return of internally displaced persons in safety and dignity;” allow international monitors observe the situation inside the breakaway regions.

The statement also called on the international community to demand that Russia adhere to the provisions of a resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on October 2, calling on Russia and Georgia to work on internationalization of the peacekeeping operation, as well as calling on Russia to revoke its decision on the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The statement also calls for immediate mechanisms to secure an international and independent investigation “of the causes and escalation of the conflict.”