President Raises Occupation Issue in her Annual Report

"If Russia wants to use the occupation to divert Georgia from its path and force the country to fail to accomplish its goal, it will not get the result it seeks,” President Salome Zurabishvili said in her annual report to Parliament.

She noted, however, that if Russia's goal is to establish new neighborly relations with Georgia and the region, this would be in everyone's interest.

“However, the new relationship requires respect for the sovereign state and its free choice. It requires de-escalation and de-occupation. And perhaps we need to take new steps and present our positions with our partners and with Russia. This must be emphasized and understood: these steps are neither a concession nor a compromise.

"Such issues cannot be resolved violently and require intellect, and courage to progress past the red line. Most importantly, it requires the unity of society.

"Every crossing of the barbed wire and every provocation on the occupation line aims to challenge us, the issue of occupation cannot be used by a narrow, domestic political arena. We should not blame each other for an inappropriate response,” Zurabishvili said.

She added that in every civilized country facing such a challenge, the political spectrum and society unite around one goal.

In addition, the President pointed out that Georgia should show future perspectives to Abkhaz and Ossetian people, to assure them that it will not only pose a threat to them but will open the way to Europe and prosperity. 

She noted that Georgia has unused potential in the international arena.

“If we assess our path and capabilities correctly, Georgia still has unused potential in the international arena. In the EU and NATO, we must contribute not only to existing programs but also to our initiatives and new ideas. Cybersecurity, the secure Black Sea and turning it into a central communication area are such issues. It is our goal to become a more active player in NATO and the EU today. If we evaluate the country's path and our abilities correctly, we will be able to cope with the challenges as well,” Zurabishvili said.

She added that Georgia has made important peaceful steps regarding the occupied territories, however, beyond these steps, the country should be prepared for more thorough policy implementation.

“We have to show the Abkhaz and Ossetian people the prospect of a future, the prospect of living in the united state; a prospect that will not endanger them but open the way to Europe, that is, to prosperity. However, we must also remember that the creation of a new perspective and de-occupation cannot be separated from one another,” she concluded.

By Ana Dumbadze 

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