Georgia, Tbilisi, Aug.3 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/
U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Chris Smith calls on Russia to cancel the planned military exercises in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and advises U.S. leadership to strengthen support for Georgia's sovereignty.
This statement is published on the official web page of the Commission for Security and Cooperation Georgia - USA.
According to Smith, Russia launches exercises few weeks before parliamentary elections in Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia are internationally recognized territory of Georgia.
"Exercises should be abolished, it is contrary to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, which is protected by the Helsinki agreement of the OSCE," the statement said.
Military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on Aug.8 in 2008. Later the Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced the two unrecognised republics as occupied territories.