Georgian Leaders Lay Wreath at August War Memorial
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, Chairman of Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze laid wreaths yesterday on the memorial for those killed in the Russia-Georgia War which occured on August 8, 2008.
“Ten years have passed since the August war. Our country has gone through very difficult days. The sad reality is that after ten years, our territories are still occupied. We have lost many people, civilians; our heroes. We need to do everything to make sure that our country will develop, strengthen, move forward and that we do not forget their souls. On the contrary, our children should teach future generations to love their homeland based on the example of these boys,” said Kaladze.
Kaladze met with relatives of victims of the war at the Mukhatgverdi Brothers’ Cemetery, accompanied by his deputies Irakli Khmaladze and Irakli Bendeliani.
The Prime Minister thanked the Foreign Ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and the Vice-Premier of Ukraine for their expressed support of Georgia as they visit the country this week on the 10th anniversary of the 2008 war.
"10 years ago, Russia committed another aggression against Georgia and the Georgian state. Our citizens were killed and I want to express my condolences to all Georgian families who lost their children, mothers, fathers, brothers, relatives or friends. 20% of the territory of Georgia is unfortunately still occupied. Our citizens do not have the opportunity to return to their families. Our answer is to build a strong Georgian state, irreversibly integrate Georgia into the European space, and develop a strong society and a competitive economy. I want to thank all of our friends in other nations for their support. They stand with us today as they did 10 years ago, through the most difficult times of our recent history, and the Georgian nation will never forget it,” said Bakhtadze.
By Samantha Guthrie
Photo: Tbilisi City Hall