About Civil.ge
Eng | Geo | Rus
Last updated: 10:55 - 1 May.'18
RSS
Mobile
Twitter
Facebook
EU: "Deep Concern" over Human Rights Situation in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia
Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 20 Apr.'18 / 10:20

The European Union is deeply concerned by the “state of play in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and for the continuous deterioration of the human rights situation in these regions,” the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe said in its statement on April 18.

The statement, delivered in response to the CoE Secretary General’s 17th consolidated report on the conflict in Georgia, has been agreed with the EU Heads of Mission to the Council of Europe and joined by representatives of Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Moldova, Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine. 

The European Union says in its statement that it is “particularly concerned” about obstacles to the freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions, ethnic-based discrimination, documentation gap for ethnic Georgians in Abkhazia, restrictions on access to education in native language, and violation of property rights of internally displaced persons.

The EU also regrets “the continued refusal” by Russia and participants of the Geneva International Discussions from Tskhinvali and Sokhumi, to engage on the topic of refugees and displaced persons, which is “at the core of the mandate” of the Geneva talks, the continued boycott of which, “jeopardizes the entire dialogue mechanism.”

“The continuing Russian illegal military presence, increased military exercises and infrastructure reinforcements” in the two regions,” and intensification of the so-called borderization process, as well as the opening of a so-called customs points, are sources of concern as well, according to the statement.

The EU touched upon the case of Archil Tatunashvili, saying his death in Tskhinvali custody “may reflect a worrying trend.” “Impunity surrounding this fatal incident reminds of the Otkhozoria case in May 2016,” the statement said, adding that “such impunity has a major negative impact on human security.” 

“Handing over the body of Mr Archil Tatunashvili to his relatives, which is a matter of human dignity, should not have taken almost one month and become a topic for negotiations,” the statement also reads.

The EU also noted that it remains “highly committed” to support peace building and conflict resolution in Georgia and welcomes the Georgian government’s new peace initiative, “that can benefit the citizens living on the both sides of the ABLs by facilitating trade, education and mobility.”

Latest News
01 May.'18 10:55
We Have Moved to a New Platform
Direct Your Bookmarks to https://civil.ge.
29 Apr.'18 03:54
Ruling Party Candidate Wins MP By-Elections
Givi Chichinadze will represent Vani and Khoni single-mandate constituency in the Parliament of Georgia.
28 Apr.'18 09:40
Polls Open for Vani and Khoni MP By-Elections
48,123 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in Vani and Khoni single-mandate constituency.
27 Apr.'18 17:23
State Dept’s Europe Affairs Point Man to Visit Tbilisi
Wess Mitchell will meet senior government officials and address the NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum.
27 Apr.'18 13:45
In Quotes: Georgian Politicians on Ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Comeback
Bidzina Ivanishvili will be approved as the Georgian Dream party chairman at the upcoming convention.
26 Apr.'18 18:15
SG Jens Stoltenberg: Georgia NATO’s ‘Very Close’ Partner
The NATO Secretary General says Foreign Ministers meeting tomorrow will recognize the country’s progress.
26 Apr.'18 14:24
Ex-PM Ivanishvili to Chair Georgian Dream Party
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said Ivanishvili was ‘best equipped’ to add new dynamism to the party.
26 Apr.'18 11:12
Lawmaker Proposes Criminal Liability for ‘Insult of Religious Feelings’
The parliamentary human rights committee decided to set up a working group for scrutinizing the draft law.
25 Apr.'18 17:21
New Abkhaz Government Head Appointed
Gennady Gagulia has served as the Abkhaz “prime minister” twice - in 1995-1997, and 2002-2003.
25 Apr.'18 14:43
Watchdog Improves Georgia’s Press Freedom Ranking
None of the countries of the former Soviet Union (except the Baltics) are ranked ahead of Georgia.

About Civil Georgia
Civil.Ge © 2001-2024, Daily News Online
Registered office: 2 Dolidze Str, 4-th Floor.
4