Georgian soldier dies from wounds sustained in NATO mission 3 years ago

Georgia’s national flag was lowered at the Defence Ministry’s administrative buildings last evening. Photo: Defence Ministry press service.
Agenda.ge, 09 Jun 2015 - 12:31, Tbilisi,Georgia

The whole country of Georgia is grieving today following the death of a military serviceman who died from injuries he received three years ago while serving in a NATO peace mission in Afghanistan.

Corporal Ramaz Davitaia suffered critical wounds while serving in the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in 2012.

Yesterday he passed away in a military hospital in Gori. His death brings Georgia’s Afghanistan death toll to 30.

It is unclear what injuries Corporal Ramaz Davitaia sustained in the incident but they were extremely critical. Since then the military servant, who has received several bravery awards, has undergone medical treatment at a number of local and international clinics.

Initially he was transferred to Heidelberg's American Military Hospital in Germany, after which he continued receiving medical care at Georgia’s Defence Ministry’s Military Hospital in Gori, Georgia.

Negotiations were underway with the United States (US) Embassy in Tbilisi about transferring Corporal Davitaia to the US for treatment but he died before an outcome was reached.

Georgia’s national flag was lowered at the Defence Ministry’s administrative buildings last evening and high officials expressed their sorrow over the soldier’s death.

"It is with great sadness that I received the unhappy news of the death of Corporal Ramaz Davitaia who served to secure peace in Afghanistan, one of the world's most volatile regions. In 2012 he was severely injured in the line of duty,” Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said.
"Our doctors have worked selflessly to save his life. Despite their efforts it proved impossible to save this exemplary soldier and patriot.
"Ramaz Davitaia sacrificed his life for peace in our land and worldwide. I bow before him and honour his memory.”

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili also expressed his "deepest sorrow” and offered condolences to Corporal Davitaia’s family, his fellow military servants and all citizens of Georgia.

US Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland ordered the Embassy's flag to fly at half-mast for the next 24 hours in honour of Corporal Davitaia.

"Corporal Davitaia was an example of bravery, strength and heroism. Since his return from medical treatment at a US facility in Germany, Mary [his wife] and I were honoured to have the opportunity to spend time with him and his family. We saw him last Thursday in Gori but did not know this would be our last goodbye,” Norland said.
"We are heartbroken and on behalf of the United States I extend deepest condolences to Corporal Davitaia’s family, friends and fellow soldiers – may his spirit live on in all our hearts.”

Georgia was the largest non-NATO troop contributor to the ISAF mission, which came to an end in December 2014. Georgian soldiers are now participating in a follow-on mission, the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.