Georgian refugees hope for EU support

On the eve of an EU summit on the crisis in Georgia, many in the capital Tbilisi are hoping the bloc will demand a full withdrawal of Russian troops and will recognise Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Russian forces remain stationed deep inside Georgia. “We should get our lost territory back and we should be able to return to our homes,” said one refugee. “We are from Tshinkvali, and we are now refugees.”

“The EU should decide that the Russian occupiers must leave Georgia completely,” said a Tbilisi resident. “I dearly hope that very soon Georgia will become a member of NATO.” Protestors are planning demonstrations in Tbilisi and other European capitals to coincide with the EU summit in Brussels on Monday.

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