Merkel demands withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia
Germany continues to support the territorial integrity of Georgia and demands to withdraw Russian troops from the country, announced Angela Merkel at a press conference in Tbilisi, reports News-Georgia.
“I am glad that I am in Georgia today. The last time I visited here was ten years ago. The Ceasefire Agreement was signed then. We still insistently demand Russia withdraw its troops, and of course, after ten years we support the territorial integrity of Georgia,” Merkel said.
She also added that Germany will do its part in resolving the existing conflict. Merkel said that Russian President Vladimir Putin knows about her stance on this issue.
“The Russian president knows about my position, that I believe it is unjust. Tomorrow I will have the opportunity to go to the administrative border, to the demarcation line, where, among other things, the mission of the European Union is also represented. What is happening now… is an injustice,” said Merkel.
She noted that at the meeting with Putin she confirmed her position “in connection with Ukraine.” In her opinion, the question of Georgia and Ukraine should be considered in “the same context.”
As Chancellor, Merkel visited Tbilisi only once. The visit, during which talks were held with President Mikhail Saakashvili, was held on August 17th, 2008, immediately after the Russian-Georgian war.
As a result of the Russian-Georgian war, Russia in 2008, recognized the independence of two Georgian regions- Abkhazia and South Ossetia and transferred additional troops and arms to their military bases in these territories.
On August 6th, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called on Russia to withdraw troops from Georgia.