Georgian PM: Gov’t is doing everything to receive Georgian man’s body from occupied region

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has visited the family of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili who died in the country’s Russian occupied region of Tskhinvali last week.

Offering condolences to Tatunashvili’s family, PM Kvirikashvili personally informed them about the steps the Georgian government is taking to retrieve the young man’s body as the occupation forces and the breakaway regime leadership have refused to hand it over.

I want you to know that the Government of Georgia is doing its best, and is using every tool available, to insure the body is returned to the family as soon as possible”, Kvirikashvili said.

He believes this is a huge tragedy and a very treacherous act against Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians, "designed to undermine the steps we are taking”.

Tatunashvili and two other Georgian citizens were detained by occupation forces on February 22 in the area of Akhalgori area, on territory currently controlled by Russians. Tatunashvili, 35, died in unclear circumstances in Tskhinvali on February 23.

The Government of Georgia will continue its consistent policy implemented so far, which will bring about the country’s unification. Nothing can stand in its way, and those responsible will be surely be brought to justice", Kvirikashvili promised.

The Tskhinvali media reported Tatunashvili was detained for his participation in the Russia-Georgia 2008 war. However, Georgian officials stated that at that time he was serving on a peace mission in Iraq.

• Read more details about the case here.