Margvelashvili Speaks about Russian Aggression at NY Forum
The President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili opened the 14th International Forum “Sustaining Peace and Development in a Changing World” in New York and addressed the audience.
He began his address by remembering the fall of Georgia’s historic part Sokhumi and the Russian-Georgian War of 2008.
“Exactly on September 27, 25 years ago, it was my predecessor, President Shevardnadze, who was standing in the city of Sokhumi, a city which was bombarded by Russian artillery. That was the day when the city fell; and, on this day he was appealing to the international community and asking for help to avoid this tragedy,” Margvelashvili said.
He added that in August 2008 Russia again occupied two breakaway Regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
“Ten years have passed since that event. So, what I am looking forward to today and the goal of our congregation is this very important issue to try to call things what they are…I guess we are all unified on the principles of the rule of law and international cooperation. Calling things what they are, calling an aggressor - an aggressor, calling an occupation - an occupation, calling an occupation line – an occupational line and not a border line are crucial. These are the terms and the words that make us even closer and bring about our unity and our ability to create a better future,” Margvelashvili addressed the forum participants.
The President thanked President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Slovakia Andrej Kiska and Ukrainian President Poroshenko for supporting Georgia from the UN's highest tribune.
He also thanked the organizers of the Forum, highlighting the importance of sharing common values among friendly countries, discussing security challenges and analyzing the prospects for creating a better future.
In addition, Margvelashvili highlighted Trans-Atlantic relations, security challenges and discussed Georgia’s role in international relations.
By Thea Morrison