london_paris_panoramic Français English

» Newsroom » Statements » Georgia situation

Georgia situation

Georgia – Extraordinary European Council of 1 September – Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 28 August 2008

M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, wishes to make it clear that, concerning France’s position, he has not talked about sanctions proposals with regard to Russia ahead of the European Council.

He mentioned the fact that, although some people were envisaging sanctions, France’s position as President of the European Union Council was to get a common position from the whole of the European Union./.

Georgia – Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and United States¹

Paris, 27 August 2008

We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom, condemn the action of our fellow G8 member. Russia’s recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and is contrary to UN Security Council resolutions supported by Russia. Russia’s decision has called into question its commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus.

We deplore Russia’s excessive use of military force in Georgia and its continued occupation of parts of Georgia. We call unanimously on the Russian government to implement in full the six-point peace plan brokered by President Sarkozy on behalf of the EU, in particular to withdraw its forces behind the pre-conflict lines. We reassert our strong and continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders and underline our respect and support for the democratic and legitimate government of Georgia as we pursue a peaceful, durable solution to this conflict./.

¹ Source of English text: FCO website.

Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “France 2” (excerpts)

Paris, 26 August 2008

Q. – Is a new Cold War beginning?

THE MINISTER – No, that’s not the right expression because “cold war” signifies two regimes confronting each other: a communist regime and a so-called “Western” regime. However, this is further evidence that Russia is not accepting the borders set by Mr Gorbachev, then Mr Yeltsin. In a number of countries which belonged to the former Soviet Union – with the Caucasus it goes back centuries –, the Russians feel at home, but that’s not an excuse. We very firmly condemn this arbitrary act which in no way at all reflects international law. (…)

Q. – Russia is threatening stability in this region.

THE MINISTER – Yes, Russia hasn’t respected the current borders, which are agreed and recognized internationally.

Q. – She says we started it with Kosovo…

THE MINISTER – It’s not comparing like with like. Admittedly you’ve got to think about rights of the peoples, about who the Ossetians are. They of course have a Russian passport, but they have that passport because the Russians provided them with it, like a provocation but also like a way out because there’s real animosity between the Georgians and Abkhazians, and the Georgians and Ossetians. These issues have to be resolved, which will take time. (…)

Q. – No retortion against Russia for the moment?

THE MINISTER – A meeting of the 27 European heads of State and government is scheduled for 1 September. This is where all the decisions will be made, at least as far as Europe is concerned. We absolutely want to keep up pressure, but also maintain appropriate relations with Russia so things don’t deteriorate. (…)./.

Convening of an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

Paris, 25 August 2008

President Sarkozy, in his capacity as President-in-Office of the European Council, has decided to act on requests from several Member States by convening an extraordinary meeting of the European Council which will take place in Brussels on Monday, 1 September 2008.

This meeting will be devoted to the crisis in Georgia, in particular to how the European Union intends acting in its aftermath as regards aid to Georgia and the future of its relations with Russia./.

Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “France Inter” (excerpts)

Paris, 25 August 2008

EU/GEORGIA

Q. – (…) Why are you having an extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels on 1 September to talk about Georgia?

THE MINISTER – The purpose is to brief the 26 countries first on what happened in Georgia and on the position of the French presidency on behalf of the European Union. We’ve already had a foreign ministers’ meeting, on 13 August, and we’re trying to implement the conclusions it reached. We want to take stock of the withdrawal of Russian troops in Georgia and obviously talk about the future because the fifth and sixth points in the document we got both Russia and Georgia to sign mention the future, particularly the sixth point. Things are going to have to be settled politically, and this will take time.

Q. – Isn’t Russia in the process of annexing a part of Georgia? She’s not pulling out of Georgia.

THE MINISTER – She is withdrawing from Georgia. There’s a corridor where the Russian troops are patrolling – this also has to be checked, and it will be easier after the meeting of heads of State – i.e. we will have to send observers, through the intermediary of the OSCE, but also European Union observers so that we can not only monitor the application of the agreement but we can also talk about the future. We’ve avoided the worst by obtaining a ceasefire and getting the vast majority of Russian troops out. All the same, problems persist.

(…)

AFGHANISTAN

Q. – Does the strategy in Afghanistan have to be changed?

THE MINISTER – I am sure that the military strategy, while it was essential initially, will not be enough on its own – we’ve known this since the Paris Conference as we held the conference with that objective in mind. So we need to implement what is called “Afghanization,” i.e. hand over responsibilities, all responsibilities, to the Afghans as quickly as possible. (…)

SYRIA/LEBANON

Q. – You’re in Beirut and you’ll be going on to Damascus, Syria, next. Nicolas Sarkozy is to visit Syria before the middle of September. Can you confirm the visit?

THE MINISTER – I’m preparing it. We are paying very close attention to the restoration – or establishment, since these relations were never completely normal – of normal relations between these two States – and to the exchange of ambassadors between Syria and Lebanon which at this point has been agreed but not yet actually carried out. (…)

Q. – Why is Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian President, now someone you can associate with?

THE MINISTER – Because, as we’ve said before, it has been possible to name and elect a president in Lebanon, because a government has been formed and because the Lebanese President has already travelled to Syria – a first in such conditions – and things look as if they’re quietening down, at least that’s what I hope. (…)./.

Telephone conversation between M. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, and Mr Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

Paris, 23 August 2008

As they had agreed, the French President, European Union Council President-in-Office Nicolas Sarkozy and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation today.

President Sarkozy thanked President Medvedev for honouring his commitments concerning the withdrawal of Russian troops.

The two heads of State agreed on the importance of fully implementing the six points of the ceasefire agreement.

They talked in detail about point 5 of the agreement on additional security measures. They agreed, in particular, on the urgency of setting up an international mechanism under OSCE auspices to replace the Russian patrols in the security zone south of Ossetia. President Sarkozy wanted the European Union to contribute fully to this international mechanism.

As regards the area adjacent to Abkhazia, President Sarkozy stressed the importance of rapidly withdrawing Russian soldiers present in the Poti/Senaki corridor.

The two heads of State agreed on the necessity of rapidly adopting a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The two heads of State agreed to remain in close contact over the next few days./.

Joint communiqué issued by M. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, and Mr Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia

Paris, 19 August 2008

As they had agreed, the French President, European Union Council President-in-Office Nicolas Sarkozy and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation today.

The two heads of State agreed on the urgent need to fully implement the six-point ceasefire agreement, concluded on 12 August in Moscow.

President Medvedev announced to President Sarkozy that the withdrawal of the Russian troops will be completed on 21 and 22 August, with the exception of 500 personnel tasked with implementing the additional security measures provided for under article 5 of the 12 August agreement.

President Medvedev also confirmed his agreement to the presence of OSCE observers who will cooperate with the patrols in the temporary security zone.

The French President expressed his wish for the number of OSCE observers to be rapidly increased and confirmed that French observers will be sent as part of this mission./.

NATO visit – Press conference given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Brussels, 19 August 2008

Q. – Can you tell us how many more days Russia can occupy Georgia before this European Council summit is convened, and once there is a summit what can Europe do if Russia still continues to occupy Georgia?

THE MINISTER – In theory, the troop withdrawal should already have happened, and we’re already two days past it. (…) We cannot accept it when the word of the signatories is called into question, and there are no clear perspectives. The Russians must keep their word, respect their signature, and they must withdraw their troops in the conditions set out in the document you know about.

(…)

Q. – About the details that were agreed in Vienna today [regarding OSCE monitors in Georgia]. Can you tell us, for example, where these 20 monitors will be authorized to go? How will the Russian security zone be defined? What’s happening about the resolution in the Security Council?

THE MINISTER – In line with the plan the OSCE has just published, 20 monitors will be deployed immediately in the area adjacent to South Ossetia. The additional monitors will be deployed after a new decision by the permanent Council in the conditions proposed by the Presidency. (…)

But there was of course a long discussion, especially about the distance over which they might be deployed – two, three kilometres, for instance. It’s not been decided yet. As you know, in these border areas there is sometimes two kilometres between the border and the main road, it’s a narrow corridor. So it will be decided and defined with the monitors and those who are on the spot – there were five when I was there. The Russian peacekeeping mission will obviously have to agree on the area that’s to be monitored.

(…)

Q. – Without second-guessing the results of any European Council, do you think that the principle stated here in NATO today – “no business as usual”, no high-level meeting so long as the commitments are not honoured – should also apply to the European Union, to relations between the European Union and Russia? (…)

THE MINISTER – There’s an EU Council with Russia scheduled in November, and for now we’ve not questioned it. We wanted relations between NATO and Russia to be maintained in a different context because if we don’t talk to each other, the tension increases. (…)

So far we’ve not made any decision about other measures that would separate us and exacerbate this confrontation. (…) We need to recognize the fact that what’s happening in Georgia is going to set us back many years, in this region in particular, and that it could spread. It will take many years to repair the damage that’s been done, between the two countries mostly of course, but not only there. (…)

(…) It is essential to keep the dialogue going, but at some point, one must respect one’s word. There can be no understanding in the international community if one doesn’t keep one’s word. Otherwise, no pact, no decision, no international agreement could ever be signed again. That’s why we are so determined in this matter. (…)./.

Telephone conversation between M. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, and Mr Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia

Paris, 13 August 2008

President Sarkozy spoke at length on the phone to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev early this evening about the implementation of the six-point agreement approved yesterday by the highest Russian and Georgian authorities.

Relaying concerns about the effectiveness of the cessation of hostilities, President Sarkozy received President Medvedev’s assurance that Russia would honour the commitments made.

As regards the situation in Georgia, President Sarkozy will be having a meeting with Ms Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, at Fort de Brégançon (Var) on Thursday, 14 August 2008 at 3 p.m./.

Situation in Georgia – French humanitarian aid – Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 11 August 2008

Concerned by the growing number of victims and displaced persons, as well as the considerable damage caused by the conflict in South Ossetia (Georgia), France decided to send an initial aircraft to Tbilisi this afternoon loaded with humanitarian aid.

This Airbus A-340 contains 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, cots and jerry cans. The humanitarian aid will be distributed by the French NGO Première Urgence in the areas most harshly affected by the conflict.

Together with all of our European partners, we are consulting on further humanitarian aid shipments to all the affected populations, according to how the situation unfolds and the assessment of needs by NGOs and specialized UN agencies.

This aircraft has a 250-seat capacity, which should enable French and European nationals currently blocked in Tbilisi by the interruption of commercial flights to return to France, should they so wish./.

Situation in Georgia – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

Paris, 10 August 2008

This afternoon President Sarkozy had a 45-minute telephone conversation with Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian President. He had spoken to Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili earlier in the day and intends pursuing his contacts with both presidents in the next few hours in order to bring their positions closer together and create the conditions for a way out of the crisis.

During the day he also spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, American President George W. Bush, Polish President Lech Kaczynski, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, and again to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

After the Georgian forces’ withdrawal from South Ossetia, President Sarkozy believes there are now real prospects for swiftly finding a way out of the crisis based on the following points:

- immediate cessation of hostilities;
-  return of the Russian and Georgian armed forces to their positions prior to the outbreak of hostilities;
-  full respect of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity;
-  provision of international support.

President Sarkozy also considers that a commitment not to resort to force in the future would likely facilitate a short-term solution and consolidate the ceasefire on a long-term basis.

The French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, in his capacity as President of the European Council, and his Finnish opposite number, as OSCE Chairman-in-Office, will arrive in Tbilisi this evening and will be going to Moscow tomorrow to push for a rapid solution to the conflict./.

Situation in Georgia – Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “Europe 1”

Paris, 10 August 2008

The mission of the French Presidency of the European Union Council is to try and bring an end to this odious war. All wars are indeed heinous, but this one – unfolding on Europe’s doorstep – is particularly brutal. It would be incomprehensible for Europe not to get involved in trying to obtain an immediate ceasefire.

The priority is obviously to stop the fighting, for the wounded to get treatment, and for refugees to have a chance to find shelter. There is a flood of refugees in both directions; hardly any inhabitants are left in Ossetia. This fighting must absolutely stop and we must be able to provide EU aid to those people who are on our doorstep and to whom we hold out our hand./.

Situation in Georgia – Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “France-Info”

Paris, 10 August 2008

My visit isn’t over. First I have to see President Saakashvili again, review developments in the situation on the ground, and then leave for Moscow in order to present this plan, this attempt at a peace plan that incorporates several points.

First, obviously, is a monitored ceasefire accepted by the two parties. Second, there must be access to the victims – that’s a humanitarian requirement, it’s essential. Third, the troops on both sides must return – a return that would be monitored – to the territories they came from so that the previous situation can be restored. Fourth and finally, and perhaps most important, of course, although it cannot take place without the three previous points: there must be a political resolution.

The European Union (that is, the 27 EU countries), which is present here with the OSCE, can play an important role alongside other forces, other groups, to guarantee peace in the region and initiate the necessary political negotiations. Those are the four points./.

Situation in Georgia – Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to the “Le Parisien” newspaper (excerpts)

Paris, 10 August 2008

(…)

Q. – What can France and the European Union do? Call a European Union extraordinary summit?

THE MINISTER – Faced with the urgency of the situation, we’re ready to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the civilians. France is President of the European Union Council and President Sarkozy and I have been in contact daily since Thursday evening with our European partners and the United States, as well as Russia and Georgia, to determine a common strategy to persuade the Georgian authorities and South Ossetian leaders to rejoin the path of negotiation. This evening I’ll be going to Russia and Georgia personally. Then we’ll convene a meeting of the 27 European Union countries at the appropriate level: first the foreign ministers and, if useful, the heads of State and government.

Q. – Lithuania is blaming Russia, Germany is pointing the finger at Georgia. What’s France’s position?

THE MINISTER – What’s indisputable is that every European Union Member State is committed to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and beyond that all the members of the international community must respect this.

The bombing of civilians must stop immediately.

(…)

Q. – Can we fear being plunged back into a “Cold War” climate?

THE MINISTER – Obviously the context is completely different. Russia undoubtedly feels isolated, not to say encircled, given the transformation of her neighbouring environment. This doesn’t justify – we’ve told her this and we repeat it to her – not respecting her neighbours’ independence. Having said that, I remain convinced of the necessity for the European Union to find a new language, a new mode of cooperation in its relations with Moscow. This is one of our presidency’s objectives, but today, quite obviously, the Georgia conflict can affect the development of relations between Russia and the European Union./.

Situation in Georgia – Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “TF1”

Paris, 10 August 2008

THE MINISTER – The war is terrifying, horrifying for civilians, and we can’t let it go on. The French Presidency of the European Union Council – like all the countries of the EU – is concerned and sometimes indignant at what is happening on its doorstep. We must therefore try, together with the Americans, and with the Russians of course, who are a participant in this conflict, to stop the killing.

Q. – How?

THE MINISTER – By proposing an end to the fighting, the withdrawal of troops on both sides to the lines previously established by the international community. I think we will bring all our weight to bear – at least, we will try to do so – to bring about a truce and end the fighting./.

Situation in Georgia – Interview given by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, to “France 2”

Paris, 9 August 2008

Q. – Bernard Kouchner, good evening. A few minutes ago, President Sarkozy talked about a plan to end the crisis. Tomorrow you will be making an on-the-ground visit; what do you plan to say to the warring parties?

THE MINISTER – First, they must stop. This is a terrible, brutal, fearsome war for tiny stakes. There are a few tens of thousands of inhabitants in South Ossetia and many explanations of the conflict. But let’s not get involved in tossing around labels.

Q. – Tell them to stop – but excuse me, is that what they’re waiting for you to do?

THE MINISTER – You have to have hope if you’re going to try. Of course, it’s possible they might not listen to our advice, but the 27 EU countries have decided to firmly demand an immediate end to the conflict, to demand that the parties (…) withdraw to what were previously the internationally accepted positions. The bombing of civilian populations must therefore stop; we have to tell the Russians that they can’t continue like this.

Q. – Are you firmly condemning the Russian operation this evening in Georgia?

THE MINISTER – I condemn the war, but I’m not going to assign labels: provocations, response to provocations… But that’s always the way it is with wars, unfortunately, and it’s always civilians, as we’ve just seen, who suffer the consequences. There will be thousands of victims; this must stop. The Russian troops must indeed return to their bases on the other side of the Georgian border. But the situation is complicated, because some Russian troops responsible for defending the UN peace plan since the 1990s are stationed in South Ossetia.

Q. – They no longer have much credibility, do they, given that Russia is one of the warring parties?

THE MINISTER – One mustn’t give in to provocations either, and previous positions must be returned to. There must be an international settlement, no doubt with the UN and with the participation of the European Union, which could initially provide aid and later safeguard the peace.

Q. – Indeed, the European Union. President Sarkozy is also president of the European Union Council. Is he going to convene a special council, like the Polish President said, a special European summit of heads of State and government?

THE MINISTER – I’m glad the Polish President says so; I hope this council will take place. For the time being, when we get back from Tbilisi and Moscow, there will be a council with the foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries. We will then see if it is possible – and I hope it is – to have a council with the heads of State, because it would have major political significance for the 27 countries of the EU to agree to intervene directly, not to wage war but to stop it.

Q. – Do you think they’ll be able to do it? The Baltic States were very clear this evening; they were talking about Russian imperialism. Will that be Europe’s common position?

THE MINISTER – No, it will not be Europe’s position. Insulting people leads nowhere.

Q. – So will Europe be divided on this issue?

THE MINISTER – Not at all. Who says it will be divided? The Baltic States are rather in agreement to go even further. That doesn’t represent a division. Everyone is in agreement in condemning this war. All the European countries, with nuances that will of course be allowed to come through, are massively demanding an immediate ceasefire, an end to the fighting.

Q. – Condemning is one thing. If the Russians don’t withdraw their troops, will you officially condemn Russia?

THE MINISTER – We have condemned the war; we condemned both sides in the intervention.

Q. – But it was the Russians who crossed the border…

THE MINISTER – There was an international settlement providing for this country, along with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to be placed under a mandate with international monitoring, the objective being peace in the region. Now the situation has completely fallen apart, troops have entered on both sides. They must withdraw. Civilian populations must be protected, and most important for now, receive treatment. Later we’ll see how an international resolution can be put into place. First the fighting must be stopped, that’s what matters. There are people who want to do so immediately, but with what means? Others who want to do so within a reasonable timeframe with political proposals. These two positions, those of the European countries, will be joined. We are responsible for our environment./.

Situation in South Ossetia (Georgia) – Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 8 August 2008

M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, is extremely concerned about the events in South Ossetia, Georgia. He deplores the loss of human life.

As President of the European Union Council, the Minister is in contact with all the protagonists in the crisis. His immediate objective is to secure a ceasefire, and he is working on its terms.

To this end, yesterday evening he had several telephone conversations with his Georgian opposite number, Mrs Eka Tkeshelashvili. Given the situation, he has decided to return to Paris tomorrow.

He has reviewed the situation with Mr Javier Solana, Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for the CFSP, and Mr Alexander Stubb, Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Finnish Foreign Minister.

France reiterates her commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within her internationally recognized borders.

France calls on all parties immediately to cease hostilities and resume the negotiations, the only way of finding a way-out of the crisis./.

top of the page