NATO Concerned Over Russia-Georgia Boundary

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen (file photo)

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on Russia to reverse its recognition of Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

In a statement issued on October 2, Rasmussen expressed concern over Moscow's current activities to install fences along the administrative boundary lines of the two separatist regions. Rasmussen called for the removal of the barriers, which he said affect "the lives of those citizens of Georgia who live on either side of the administrative boundary lines."

Rasmussen also stated that the erection of the barriers "is in contradiction with Russia's international commitments and does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Moscow recognized the independence of the two separatist regions following a short war with Georgia in August 2008. Russia keeps its troops in both regions, which Tbilisi considers its territory.