Tbilisi, Georgia, June 24
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
The absence of international peacekeeping forces in Georgia's occupied territories and the militarization of these areas increase the risk of provocations and military aggression, according to Georgia's National Military Strategy, approved by the government.
The document underscores that Georgia still faces serious threats and challenges, which is primarily due to the occupation of its territories and the risk of the escalation of conflicts.
"All this creates a threat to the security of not only Georgia, but also the region, and prevents the country's stable development. Based on this, the de-occupation of territories and restoration of territorial integrity in a peaceful way remains the main goal of Georgia's security policy. Georgia is pursuing a good-neighborly policy, within which a great attention is being paid to making contribution to strengthening of peace and stability at the regional and international levels," according to the document.
The document also indicates that Russia is a major source of instability, and the lack of international peacekeeping forces in the occupied territories and militarization of these areas increase the risk of provocations and military aggression.
The risks and threats list also included regional instability, transnational and cyber threats, natural and man-made disasters.
"The international terrorism and transnational organized crime pose a threat not only to individual countries, but also to the global security. Occupation of Georgian territories creates a favorable environment for international terrorism and transnational organized crime. At the same time, there is a danger of using the occupied territories for such illegal activities as smuggling, trafficking and trade in drugs, arms and mass destruction weapons," according to the document.
Large scale military action was launched between Georgia and Russia in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008.
Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August.
In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and called the two unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.
Edited by CN