9 months ago, the security architecture of Europe was damaged as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine - we continue to stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili said in his speech at the 29th OSCE Ministerial.

The head of the Foreign Ministry spoke about the consequences that Russia's full-scale aggression brought to Georgia and Ukraine.

According to Ilia Darchiashvili, full consolidation is the only way to force Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors.

"9 months ago, the security architecture of Europe was damaged as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The humanitarian consequences are dire, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. We continue to stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and confirm Georgia's support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. My country, Georgia, has experienced Russia's aggressive policy since the beginning of the 19th century, and this was followed by a full-scale aggression in August 2008. We have suffered severe consequences in our daily life. Two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, are still occupied by the Russian Federation, and military bases are located in these regions. Approximately 300,000 Georgians have been driven from their homes, and they still have no opportunity to return.

Georgia takes responsibility for the peaceful settlement of the Russia-Georgia conflict and, at the same time, continues to move towards the goal of deoccupying the territories occupied by the Russian Federation. However, it prioritizes reconciliation and rebuilding trust between artificially divided societies. International discussions in Geneva are the only format that can ensure that Russia complies with the terms of the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement and that progress can be made on the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Decisive steps and unity are necessary to force Russia to fulfill its international obligations, including the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, as well as to obey the fundamental principles of international law and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors. There is no other way to consolidate European security. The use of force and the threat of force must end. This is not the language that should achieve success," said Ilia Darchiashvili.

source: IPN