Belarus spoke against territorial integrity of Georgia in UN

• 11.09.2009, 12:10

Official Minsk decided to support Russian on this issue again.

The Belarusian delegation in the UN spoke against adopting the declaration recognizing the territorial integrity of Georgia after the Russia-Georgia conflict.

The Resolution on Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia was adopted yesterday by the United Nations General Assembly, the website of the civil campaign “European Belarus” reports.

Representatives of the Russian Federation strongly opposed adopting the document calling it “politically motivated”. The reason for the position was the fact the document calls these regions “Georgian”, so the Resolution means the UN General Assembly recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia.

Besides Russia, 18 countries, including Belarus, voted against the resolution. Algeria, Armenia, Bolivia, Viet Nam, Cuba, Myanmar, Syria, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, India, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Iran and others. These countries have spilt their relations with the rest of the world due to harsh repressions against the domestic opposition.

48 states voted for adopting the document, including all EU countries. 78 delegations abstained.

The documents says it is necessary to work out “a timetable that would ensure the voluntary, safe, decent and unimpeded return of all internally displaced persons and refugees affected by the conflict in Georgia, to their homes”.

The resolution says property rights of all internally displaced persons and refugees affected by conflict in Georgia must be respected. The paper notes must refrain from acquiring property in violation of these rights must be refrained.