Lithuanian diplomats go to Gori

  • 2008-08-20
  • In cooperation with BNS

VILNIUS-LithuanianForeign Ministry Undersecretary Laimonas Talat-Kelpsa and other Lithuanian diplomats arrived in theGeorgian city of Goridestroyed and seized by the Russian forces during the armed Russia-Georgiaconflict.

The Lithuanian delegation had tocross four control posts to reach Gori.

 Russian soldiers guarding the entrance into the city saidthey would not allow the delegation into Gori but contacted their leadership.

 While the Lithuanianswere waiting, ambassadors of Germanyand Norwayarrived at the entrance along with representatives of internationalorganizations and transport with humanitarian assistance.

 An hour later, the column of vehicles was allowed into thecity.

 Talat-Kelpsa told BNS that theinspection at the control post was harsh violation of international documents.


"An alien army in an internationally-recognized territory of Georgiademanded that Lithuaniandiplomats produce their documents. A shipment of the United Nations (UN)humanitarian assistance was suspended for an hour. In our opinion, it is also asevere violation of the ceasefire agreement, which suggests that humanitarianassistance should be granted unimpeded access to the conflict zone," saidthe Lithuanian diplomat.

Gori's pre-war population of approximately 70,000 people is nowdown what Lithuanian diplomatssay is less than 10,000 people.