Paris, December 15, 2023 – France, in a statement released today, has reiterated its unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the need for Russia to fully implement its commitments made over a decade ago.
The French government’s strong stance on this issue comes seventeen years after Russia’s military aggression in Georgia, which led to the secession of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from the rest of the country. France has consistently condemned these unilateral actions as unacceptable violations of international law.
In a call for action, France urged Russia to take concrete steps to address the militarization of the separatist regions and their obstructive relationship with Georgia. The French government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Geneva International Discussions (GID), a process co-chaired by the European Union, the OSCE, and the UN, which it believes holds significant potential for resolving the conflict.
France will continue to support the efforts of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia and the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. These initiatives are seen as crucial in promoting stability and ensuring the democratic aspirations of Georgia’s people, who have been striving to join the EU.
“France will remain steadfast in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said a spokesperson for the French government. “We urge Russia to take immediate action to address these concerns and work towards a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.”
The ongoing tensions between France, Russia, and Georgia underscore the complexities of international diplomacy in the region. As one of the key players in European foreign policy, France’s stance on this issue carries significant weight.
With its consistent call for stability and democracy, France has reasserted its commitment to supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.