YouSaid · the spoken record

Imnadze

lines on the record: 240
first: 2013-08-06
most recent: 2022-03-08
sittings or episodes: 35
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Only through respect for international law, including obligations arising from treaties, can we maintain peace and security, provide for the protection of human rights and create the conditions for social progress and larger freedoms. We are deeply distressed by the violent developments and rapid deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East. 1 would like to reiterate Georgia's strong condemnation of every despicable act of terrorism and violence against civilian populations. Terrorist groups such as Da'esh threaten not just the nations of the Middle East but every country across the globe, large or small, primarily because such groups erode the political and legal foundations of the international system. Contrary to expectations in the early 1990s, Europe today is neither free from confrontation nor at peace.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union, and I would like to make some additional comments in my national capacity. Seventy years have passed since the creation of the United Nations, and yet millions continue to suffer from the scourge of war, the number ofpeople displaced has reached unprecedented levels and the scope of our humanitarian crises is catastrophic. That is not because the principles of the Charter of the United Nations are deficient, but because we have failed to uphold what we pledged to the generations to come. It is therefore indeed high time for the international community to stand up firmly for the principles enshrined in the Charter.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, I reiterate that Georgia aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union and calls on all the relevant actors to ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected populations in unresolved conflicts worldwide. For our part, my country stands ready to contribute to concerted international efforts to ensure more effective protection for civilian populations during armed conflicts and in the post-conflict phase.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The only international monitoring mechanism currently on the ground is the European Union Monitoring Mission, but even that mechanism has been prevented from fully implementing its mandate, as well as from entering the occupied territories. It is imperative that the conflict-affected population be provided with unhindered humanitarian aid and that the relevant international actors be allowed to carry out their activities according to their respective mandates. There is no alternative to strengthening our common efforts to protect civilians in armed conflicts. We need to take concrete steps to alleviate the consequences of armed hostilities for civilians and to safeguard their rights and freedoms.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Notably, after having been repeatedly denied access to territories, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, referred to the occupied Georgian regions as "a black hole" and "one of the most inaccessible places on Earth, with no access permitted for international agencies." A detailed account of what I have just mentioned can also be found in one of the quarterly reports on the human rights situations in the occupied territories of Georgia issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which are also issued as official documents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, for those who are interested.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Over the past several years, the occupation regime has been installing barbed wire fences along the occupation line to divide families and communities and to prevent people-to-people contacts. That is happening against the backdrop of continued militarization and the complete absence of any international monitoring mechanism inside the occupied regions - a situation that has in fact been reflected in General Assembly resolutions and reports of the Secretary-General and of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of internally displaced persons.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict is of particular concern to me as a representative of a country that has had to withstand a full-scale military aggression against its statehood and independence in the recent past. More than seven years after Russia's military invasion of my nation, 20 per cent of our sovereign territory remains under illegal military occupation, in blatant violation of Russia's own obligations under international law, including the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement. The population currently residing in Georgia's occupied regions is deprived of basic human rights and minimal safeguards for their lives, not to mention their civil, socioeconomic and cultural rights. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Georgian internally displaced persons and refugees are doomed to protracted displacement.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Another vital issue is the ability of the international community to address the human rights situation in areas where the official authorities cannot exercise their sovereign rights and which are under the effective military control of an occupying Power. In such situations, international human rights and humanitarian law should nevertheless operate without any impediment in order to provide a minimum level of protection for the civilian population. Safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to reach people in need of protection and assistance is another important element. It is imperative that populations residing in conflict-affected areas be provided with unhindered humanitarian aid and that, to that end, the relevant international organizations be allowed to carry out their activities.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Yet as we speak, millions of people worldwide are suffering from the dire consequences of armed conflict, which deprives them of their fundamental rights and freedoms, separates them from their families and forces them out of the places of their permanent residence. The task of protecting civilians in conflict remains challenging. From Syria to Iraq, Yemen and Libya, to the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, the Sudan, to Ukraine, civilians caught up in armed conflict are being killed and injured. The scale of brutality is often beyond the scope of our imagination. It is the collective responsibility of the United Nations, in particular of the Security Council, to undertake all the necessary measures to protect civilians and ensure their basic rights.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“At the outset, I also want to join the previous speakers in congratulating the Uruguayan presidency for its leadership and to thank it for organizing this debate. My appreciation also goes to all the briefers for their valuable contributions earlier today. Georgia fully associates itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to make the following brief comments, while the full text will be made available. More than 15 years have passed since the Security Council held its initial open debate on the issue before us (see S/PV.3980).”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Addressing the needs of the local population on both sides of the artificial divide and improving the living conditions of the sundered communities is important not only from a purely humanitarian point of View, but also from the human security and peacebuilding perspectives.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Although Georgia continues to be prevented from directly and fully addressing the needs of its citizens in the occupied regions, in cooperation with United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, we are implementing crucial confidence-building measures and promoting people-to-people contacts through meetings among professional communities, the training of experts and teachers, study visits and other activities. One of our key priorities is the provision of health-care services to those living beyond the occupation line, provided that the people in need are not prevented by the occupying Power from accessing these services.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Georgian citizens residing in the Russian occupied territories are deprived of the minimal safeguards for their fundamental rights and freedoms. The most vulnerable groups of population cannot receive education in their mother tongue and freedom of movement and other fundamental rights are constantly denied. Let me reiterate that the men, women and children living in conflict situations should enjoy the benefits of development and progress like the rest of us, and the international community should spare no effort to that end.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“As a country that has undergone a dramatic change over the past decade through reform and modernization, and as a member of the Peacebuilding Commission, Georgia stands ready to share its successful experience with fellow Member States in the streamlining of all segments of the public sector, the establishment of a Viable police force, the eradication of corruption and the provision of swift and efficacious Government services to all citizens. As we speak on the need for inclusive societies, let me stress how important it is that these goals be applied equally to people living in conflict-affected areas. The two Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia are under illegal foreign military occupation.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Goal 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions is one of the central Goals, since the progress in all other areas largely depends on efficient governance. The international community can and must provide assistance in building capacities in countries struggling with development challenges, including for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism and crime. But national ownership and determination to solve the problems, coupled with democratic reforms, good governance practices, the rule of law and the eradication of corruption are essential prerequisites.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Many examples in modern history demonstrate how security and development are intertwined in pre-conflict, conflict and post-conflict situations. The root causes of conflict are often the political, economic and social imbalances in society. We must therefore focus on good governance. Upholding the rule of law, strengthening independent judicial mechanisms, ending impunity, and ensuring accountability and responsive Government are some of the crucial measures to take on the path to ensuring sustainable development for all. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/ 1) offers real hope for stability, prosperity and conflict prevention worldwide.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Let me join others in thanking the presidency of the United Kingdom for organizing the debate. I also thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Ms. Bouchamaoui and Ambassador Skoog for their briefings. Georgia fully associates itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. In addition, I would like to make some comments in my national capacity. First, let me join previous speakers in strongly condemning the despicable acts of terrorism that took place in Paris a few days ago, other atrocious acts of cowardice and terror we witnessed recently in Lebanon, and the downing of the Russian aircraft. Terrorism has no borders and no nationality, and none of us is immune to the threat. Hence, it is only through our unity - the unity of international community - that humankind will be able to vanquish darkness.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The humanitarian situation in the occupied territories requires immediate attention, especially since no international organization has been allowed to monitor the human rights situation there. We therefore call on the Russian Federation once again to abide by the August 2008 ceasefire agreement. In conclusion, I would like to extend my gratitude to United Nations agencies, especially to UN-Women, for their invaluable assistance in the process of the empowerment of women in my country. Alongside other United Nations Member States, Georgia once again reiterates its commitment to further promoting gender equality and the enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms by all women.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Unfortunately, the human rights situation, in general, and the situation with regard to women's and children's rights and gender equality in particular, remain a serious challenge in the Georgian territories that are under illegal Russian military occupation. Specifically, women in the occupied regions continue to suffer grave violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the freedom of movement, the right to education in their native language and other political, economic, civil, social and cultural rights to which they are entitled under the Constitution of Georgia, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international mechanisms.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“As an illustration of our strong commitment to the advancement of women, in collaboration with the United Nations and the European Union, on 9 and 10 November we plan to organize an international high-level conference on meeting gender equality challenges and opportunities in the European Neighbourhood Policy in Tbilisi, Georgia. We believe that the empowerment of women stands at the centre of sustainable development. In that regard, we once again welcome the stand-alone and cross-cutting gender equality Goal 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly 70/ 1), adopted at the Sustainable Development Summit last month.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In addition, Georgia recently signed the the Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, and we plan to ratify it in the very near future. As this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, I would like to reiterate Georgia's strong commitment to the advancement of women. Recently, alongside 87 Member States, Georgia committed to further improving gender equality for the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Moreover, 2015 has been declared the Year of Women in Georgia, as we remain committed to robust actions to reform our domestic gender legislation, including by undertaking a number of legislative changes and introducing new laws, which are in line with international standards and fully correspond to our commitments. In that regard, the adoption of an anti-discrimination law was an important, milestone achievement. In 2013, the Parliament of Georgia adopted a domestic Violence action plan for 2013-2015, followed by a national action plan on gender equality for 2014-2016, in compliance with the Council of Europe's gender equality strategy for the same years. The plan is aimed at combating gender stereotypes and violence against women and guaranteeing equal access tojustice.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We need to address women's rights at the international and regional levels but simultaneously remain focused on individual countries. As we celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of landmark resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, Georgia has its own story to share with the international community. By adopting a national action plan on women and peace and security for the period 2012-2015, Georgia became one of 49 countries to have a separate policy document devoted to this important issue. The Government of Georgia plans to renew the aforementioned action plan in the very near future.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Boko Haram's abduction of hundreds of women and girls in Chibok and the kidnappings in Syria and Iraq committed by Daesh and other terrorist groups are glaring examples of the types of gross violations to which women in armed conflict are subjected. The areas controlled by non-State actors and terrorist groups, as well as territories under illegal foreign military occupation, are zones of grave risk for women, with imminent threats to their lives posed by actors that operate in total denial of internationally recognized legal norms. We need to act adequately and make use of all United Nations tools and mechanisms to respond to the existing challenges. We need to embark on a elaborative, holistic approach, but at the same time remain sensitive to nuance and detail.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Although maintaining international peace and security is central to our Organization and especially for the Council, today we face far too often situations when the fundamental norms of international, humanitarian and human rights law, as well as other universally recognized principles, are blatantly abused. Georgia condemns in the strongest terms, all cases of violations of women's rights and discrimination, both in wartime and in peacetime, whether committed by State or non-State actors. Despite the broad understanding of the nature of the problem and the numerous efforts made at all levels to address them, we have yet to see tangible progress on the ground. Women and girls continue to fall victim to acts of violence, murder, maiming and arbitrary detention committed by parties to conflicts across the globe.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I, too, wish to thank you, Mr. President, for putting this matter before the Council and for being a champion of this issue throughout the year. As a country that co-sponsored resolution 2242 (2015), which was adopted yesterday, we are fully committed to being engaged with the matter. I also would like to thank the Secretary-General and the other high-level briefers for their briefings of yesterday. We strongly believe that women's rights and gender equality are not only a human rights topic, but also an important peace and security issue.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Therefore, the United Nations engagement is crucial to preserving stability in this region with a population of more than 60 million. To this end, we once again welcome the recent consensual adoption by the General Assembly of the second resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and GUAM (resolution 69/271) and look forward to strengthening the partnership between these organizations.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We believe that close cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE and other regional organizations and full exploitation of their potential in early warning and prevention as well as crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation, is indispensable for the maintenance of international peace and security. I should also like to stress the particular importance we attach to the partnerships between the United Nations and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM. There is no need to remind those participating in this debate that all GUAM member States - Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova - have grave security challenges arising from conflicts, including occupied and annexed territories.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“This issue is of particular concern given the absence of international monitoring mechanisms on the ground, a rueful consequence of the terminations not just of the OSCE mission but also of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia in 2009 by exercising the power of veto of a permanent member. Unfortunately, inadequate assessment by the international community of the above-mentioned erosion of the security architecture, and hence the inadequate response to the tragic events that unfolded in Georgia, led to another grave violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of a United Nations Member State, this time Ukraine in 2014, resulting in the annexation of new territories and the creation of grey zones in the OSCE area.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The full-scale aggression committed against Georgia in 2008 and the consequent ethnic cleansing, occupation of 20 per cent of my country's territory and ongoing steps towards its annexation by one of the founding Members of the United Nations were a logical continuation of this process. Allow me to express my profound disappointment that, as a result of Russia's opposition, we have lacked opportunities to restore a meaningful and comprehensive OSCE mission in Georgia, which would serve as an impartial monitor of the existing situation in Georgia's occupied regions.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“A lack of willingness to fulfil the commitments in good faith undertaken during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Istanbul Summit in 1999 must be considered as one of the clear signs of the beginning of this erosion process. Regrettably, OSCE participating States failed to demonstrate enough resolve and unity adequately to respond to this dangerous tendency at an early stage. The imposition of an illegal moratorium on the implementation of the obligations arising from the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe in 2007 was the next perilous step towards the deepening of the security crisis.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Unfortunately for all of us, regional security in Europe is being significantly challenged by Russia's aggressivebehaviouragainstitsneighbours-especially Georgia and Ukraine - in particular through the ongoing illegal military occupation of integral parts of our sovereign territories. This worrisome pattern to alter international borders arbitrarily and by force poses a deadly threat not only to the strategic vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace, but also to the notion of amicable relations between all peoples in our region. It should be noted that the first signs oferosion ofthe modern European security system emerged quite long ago.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In the meantime, the more traditional threats posed by expansionist and irredentist State actors remain at the core of regional and international instability and insecurity. Taking into account the universal nature of the fundamental principles upon which the European security architecture rests, we are confident that the main problem is rather related to the unwillingness of some States to comply with commitments undertaken within the regional organizations than with the imperfection of the system itself. The disregard for obligations is a major challenge to our common security and has resulted in the crisis that we are facing today in the region.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The conflicts, threats and instability in many regions across the globe, together with old and newly emerging security challenges - affecting, among others, Iraq, Libya, the Sahel region, Syria and my immediate neighbourhood - are significantly impacting international peace and security and challenging our fundamental values and principles. We fully acknowledge the growing asymmetric threats posed by transnational terrorism and its new forms, such as foreign terrorist fighters, to the viability and efficiency of regional and international organizations. And we believe that the entire international community at all levels must stand and act unitedly to effectively counter them.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I thank Nigeria for organizing this event and bringing this very important issue to the attention ofthe Council. I also want to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks earlier today. Georgia aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union, and in my national capacity I should like to add the following. Throughout the years we have witnessed fruitful cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. At the same time, we remain mindful of the serious challenges in designing a comprehensive peace and security architecture that would rapidly respond to security threats in different corners of the world, including the region I come from. The global and European security environment has changed exponentially in recent years.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“My country has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming entirely carbon neutral by 2050. In conclusion, I would like to stress once again Georgia's standing commitments and readiness to continue our engagement with SIDS, both within the framework of international organizations and bilaterally and, by achieving sustainable development and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, its willingness to make more tangible and resolute steps towards preserving international peace and security.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“That is of course in addition to the illegal exploitation and unsustainable use of our natural resources, the militarization of our agricultural and urban infrastructure and other security threats stemming from the fact that 20 per cent of our territory is under foreign military occupation. The adverse impact of all such issues on our ecosystem and economy has helped to motivate my country's commitment to sustainable development. The Georgian Government is currently undertaking efforts to limit greenhouse-gas emission levels by boosting investments in low-carbon, energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. In 2013, we began to prepare a low-emission development strategy and established a high-level inter-ministerial committee under the leadership of our Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“I would once again like to reiterate Georgia's commitment to that outcome and to the need to establish a platform under United Nations auspices that can adequately address the issues of SIDS, which include 37 countries, one fifth of the United Nations membership. Over the past decade, Georgia has developed steady partnerships with important SIDS organizations, such as the Caribbean Community and the Pacific Islands Forum, as well as with individual SIDS countries, in areas that include cooperation in education, the sharing of experience and public-sector reform. Georgia is not an island, but as a small developing nation it faces many challenges similar to those experienced by SIDS, whether earthquakes, floods, soil erosion and degradation and severe climate fluctuations.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Reducing vulnerability in today's changing global landscape is therefore a cross-cutting and complex development issue that requires an unprecedented effort that encompasses scientific knowledge, innovation, public understanding, careful development planning, responsible enforcement of policies and legislation, political and legal commitment, enhanced human and institutional capacity and, of course, efficient disaster management. The outcome document of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States explicitly states that there is an urgent need to strengthen international cooperation and ensure genuine and durable partnerships at the national, regional and international levels in order to address issues related to SIDS' sustainable development priorities and needs.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Transnational crime and piracy, the illicit exploitation of natural resources, climate change and natural disasters are among such threats. By putting them on its agenda, the Council encourages us to take stock of the United Nations programmes aimed at addressing such challenges and to seek ways to reinvigorate our efforts to mitigate them. Climate change is a global security challenge. In the near term it poses a direct, immediate threat to small island developing States (SIDS), which are in fact those least responsible for the problem. In the long run, no country - whether it is an island, mountainous, landlocked, developing or highly developed - can be immune when nature strikes back.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“At the outset, Iwould like to thank the presidency of New Zealand and its Minister for Foreign Affairs for his leadership in bringing this issue to the Security Council. I would also like to thank the high-level briefers - the Prime Ministers of Samoa and Jamaica and the Minister of Finance of the Seychelles - for their informative and insightful interventions. I would also like to align myself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union. In today's world, the meaning of security can no longer be linked merely to an absence of military threats. Security risks manifest themselves in a range of areas that know no boundaries and cannot be tackled by a single country; they require a collective effort.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, let me once again stress that Georgia remains a strong advocate of the principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We all should take more tangible and resolute steps towards the realization of our common goal of preserving international peace and strengthening international security. Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the Chinese New Year.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“But far too often, because of the structural deficiencies of the Council, universally recognized principles are blatantly abused. Georgia was most directly and painfully affected by the inability of the United Nations to take decisive action. In the course and aftermath of the August 2008 war, one permanent member of the Security Council and a party to the conflict precluded all meaningful measures to be taken by the Council. We arrived at a paradox. The mandate of the then existing United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia was terminated by a veto, so instead of an increased security presence in the aftermath of a full-fledged war, a vacuum was created in the international security presence. The Syrian and Ukrainian crises are other notorious examples in that mode.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Despite those provocations, Georgia remains dedicated to a peaceful and constructive approach and has been consistently committed to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the conflict with the Russian Federation. Since 2012, we have redoubled our efforts to normalize relations with Moscow to the fullest extent possible in order to create an environment conducive to confidence-building and conflict resolution. Regrettably, those efforts have yielded no results in terms of conflict settlement. We highly value the international discussions held in Geneva and will continue our constructive participation in good faith in the key format established for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008. Maintaining international peace and security is central to the Organization, especially the Council.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The pinnacle of this policy was the so-called comprehensive alliance treaties already signed with the Sokhumi region and soon to be signed with the Tskhinvali region, which envisages a full merger in all spheres of the public domain and the open delegation of all powers to the Russian Federation. There is no other name for this but annexation. Russian actions in the region contradict the fundamental principles of international law, such as non-interference in the internal affairs of States, the impermissability ofthreats or the use of force, the sovereign equality of States, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity - in short, the Charter of the United Nations.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Russia's aggression against Georgia started in the early 19905 and deepened in 2008, when open military aggression against Georgia was carried out and the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions were occupied. Following the recognition of the so-called independence of both regions, Russia's policy has been nothing but a creeping annexation of parts of my country's sovereign territories, manifested in the conclusion of dozens of so-called treaties and agreements by Moscow with its occupation regimes, providing the pretext for continued illegal military presence.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The annexation of Crimea and the tragedy taking place in the eastern part of Ukraine should be duly responded to by the entire international community. In these troubled times, Georgia stands by the Ukrainian people in their quest for a democratic future. We reaffirm our strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and call upon the Russian Federation to stop its aggressive policies against sovereign States. Alas, the crisis in Ukraine is not an isolated case but rather a part of the broader policy that Russia has pursued in its neighbourhood throughout the years, going so far as to redraw European borders by practicing aggression, occupation and annexation. One further attestation to that is the situation in my country, in the illegally occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“We are deeply distressedby the violent developments and rapid deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East. We condemn in the strongest terms all despicable acts of terrorism and violence against the civilian population. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant threaten the nations not only in the Middle East but in all other places across the globe. It is only with our joint efforts and commitment that we can stop, reverse and prevent such violent actions from happening. Unlike the expectations of the early 19905, today's Europe is neither free from confrontation nor at peace. European security is once again being deliberately challenged by Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“At the outset, let me express our gratitude to the Chinese presidency for organizing today's open debate, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for his leadership. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his well-informed briefing. Georgia fully associates itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. In addition, I would like to make some comments in my national capacity. The full text of my statement will be distributed. After the Second World War, in which Georgia lost more than 350,000 citizens-10percentofitspopulation at the time the United Nations was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and to maintain peace and security. Seven decades later, we are still faced with unprecedented security challenges in many parts of the world.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“All this will seriously undermine the efforts aimed at ensuring inclusive development. Having suffered enough from this plague, and while dealing with the negative impacts of foreign occupation, my country firmly believes that the path to a peaceful and secure future will be through good governance and the resilience of inclusive political, economic and legal institutions. Armed conflict, by destroying the political, social, economic and cultural fabric of societies, seriously undermines development and is perhaps its greatest obstacle. In conclusion, therefore, I wish to fully subscribe to the statement contained in the concept paper to this discussion (S/2015/6, annex) and to mention again that Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the head of the delegation of the European Union.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source