Georgia, Tbilisi, Aug. 23 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek warned the occupation regime of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) in connection with the intent to destroy Georgian villages. Vollebaek's special statement was published on the official web page of the organization.
The High Commissioner has responded to the statement by the leader of the occupied South Ossetia, according to which the occupation regime intends to destroy the ethnic Georgian villages, and called this intention a provocative.
"If implemented, the remnants of Georgian villages in South Ossetia will be fully eliminated," Vollebaek said and demanded that the South Ossetian leader Leonid Tibilova clarify their goals.
OSCE High Commissioner also reminded the occupation regime that under international law people forcibly relocated have every right to return to their homes, and therefore respect should be shown to their property, otherwise the regime's actions will be regarded as a crime.
Military actions were launched in the Georgian territory, South Ossetia on Aug.8 in 2008. Later the Russian troops occupied the Tskhinvali city and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced two unrecognized republics as the occupied territories.