Seven Western Countries Call on Russia to "Immediately Withdraw Its Armed Forces from Georgian Territory"

Seven Western countries have called on Russia to revoke its recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The joint statement was released by the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Ireland, Norway, Estonia, and Albania, as reported by vedomosti.ru and Tert.am.

“Today we again call on the Russian Federation to <...> immediately withdraw its armed forces and annul the so-called recognition of the independence of Georgia's territories, Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” the statement reads.

The countries expressed regret that Russia allegedly continues to violate Georgia's territorial integrity, condemning Russia's “illegal military presence,” control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as actions to “integrate these regions of Georgia.”

“Russia's actions clearly violate international law,” the statement adds.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed after Moscow recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following the entry of Georgian troops into the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, on August 8, 2008, Russia resorted to military action.