The UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting on Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories to mark the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed Council members on developments on the ground and the Geneva International Discussions, Georgia Today reported.

Following the meeting, representatives of the UK, France, Latvia, Denmark, Greece, Austria and Portugal reaffirmed support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The countries condemned Russia’s continued military presence, militarization and steps toward the annexation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region, as well as ongoing human rights and security violations.

They called on Russia to fully comply with the 2008 ceasefire agreement, immediately withdraw its troops from Georgia and reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.

The statement also called for the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees, continuation of the Geneva International Discussions and the immediate resumption of the Gali meetings.