The High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton visited the Georgian-South Ossetian border today, observed the work of the European Community Monitoring Mission (ECMM) and the situation, RIA Novosti reports.
She expressed support for the territorial unity of Georgia and declared about the necessity of Russia to fulfill the cease-fire agreement signed on August 12th, 2008.
Russia recognized the independence of the former Georgian autonomies -Abkhazia and South Ossetia, after the five-day war in August 2008. Tbilisi declared Abkhazia and South Ossetia as occupied territories and halted all diplomatic relations with Russia.
The ECMM officially started working on October 1st, 2008. It consists of 200 unarmed observers from 22 countries of EU. Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia believe that there should be no presence of the commission on Abkhaz and South Ossetian territories.
The Foreign Ministry of Georgia told RIA Novosti that the two-day visit of the High Representative has concluded. Ashton said that the main goal of her visit to Georgia was to express support to its people.
Within the framework of her visit Ahston had a meeting with Mikhail Saakashvili, the Georgian Foreign minister Grigol Vashadze and opposition. She said that the EU promotes active relations with Georgia but there is alot to be done. Concerning the negotiations on association between Georgia and EU, Ashton noted that EU will try to speed up the process.
