TBILISI, DFWatch–The United States expresses concern about Russian soldiers installing wire fences at the South Ossetian border.

A statement issued by the US Embassy to Georgia on Friday on instructions of the Department of State says the US is concerned with ‘borderization.’

“We remain deeply concerned with ‘borderization’ activities along the administrative boundary lines with the Russian occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which first began several years ago.  The increased pace of these activities near villages like Ditsi and Khurvaleti further separates families and neighbors, and has a profound negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of populations on both sides of the barbed wire, cutting off local communities from their farm land, keeping children from attending school, and blocking access to cemeteries.”

“We continue to call for these barriers to be removed in accordance with Russia’s commitments under the August 2008 ceasefire agreement and its obligations under international humanitarian law – a call we will continue to make here in Georgia and at international venues, including at the Geneva International Discussions.”

“We welcome the Georgian government’s continued, peaceful approach to the resolution of these conflicts, and encourage all sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve this situation,” the statement reads.

After the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008, Russia recognized the two Georgian breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent. Most of the world has not recognized them, and the situation remains subject to protest by the international community, also because of Russia’s control over the areas.

In spring 2013, Russian soldiers started moving the border further into the Georgian-controlled territory, creating problems for locals.