The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the so-called presidential elections and referendum that are being held today in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia), Georgia.

The Ministry said in a statement that holding the so-called referendum on changing the name of one of the oldest Georgian regions into "Republic of South Ossetia — State of Alania”, that is similar to one of the federal subjects of the Russian Federation, aims at laying the ground for its illegal annexation.

Statement of the MFA of #Georgia on the so-called elections& referendum in occupied #Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia https://t.co/ksKWvkOAZM — MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) April 9, 2017

"This intention has been vividly demonstrated also by recently signed so-called agreement on incorporation of the unlawful military units of the Tskhinvali region into the armed forces of the Russian Federation”, the Ministry said.

"By such provocative actions, the Russian Federation intentionally impedes the efforts of peaceful conflict resolution, including within the Geneva International Discussions and hinders the confidence building between the communities divided by occupation lines”, it added.

The statement also says that according to international law, any so-called elections or referendums in the occupied territories of Georgia are illegal and cannot have any legal effect. It added that this provocative act by the Russian occupying forces grossly violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and represents yet another attempt to legitimise the consequences of several waves of ethnic cleansing, military invasion and ongoing occupation of Georgian regions.

The Ministry appealed to the international community to give a due assessment to the illegal so-called elections and referendum and called upon Russia to respect the fundamental principles of international law and withdraw its military forces from the Georgian territory.

The so-called elections and referendum in breakaway Tskhinvali region were condemned by the global community as well, including the United States and the European Union.