MEP Marina Kaljurand releases statement regarding the European Courts Human Rights decision on August War 2008.

“First, the ECHR acknowledges that the Russia has been exercising continued, effective control over Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region / South Ossetia since 12 August 2008.

Second, the ECHR establishes numerous, grave violations of the European Convention of Human Rights by the Russia during and in the aftermath of the war, its failure to investigate war crimes and systematic human rights abuses in the occupied regions ever since, as well as its refusal to enable ethnic Georgians to return to their homes.

As repeatedly stated by the European Parliament, Russia must honor it international obligations and reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. As the power exercising effective control, it must grant unconditional access to the EU Monitoring Mission to the occupied regions, in accordance with the EU- brokered Six-Point Agreement that ended the war”, - said MEP Marina Kaljurand.

The European Court of Human Rights delivered its judgment in the inter-State case of Georgia v. Russia (II) concerning the August War 2008 on January 21. The Grand Chamber judgment reads, “the Russian Federation had exercised “effective control” over South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and the “buffer zone” during the period from 12 August to 10 October 2008, the date of the official withdrawal of the Russian troops.” The Court concluded that “the events occurring after the cessation of hostilities – that is, following the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 – had fallen within the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation. It found many violations of the Convention”.