Gov’t creates state program to protect and develop Abkhazian language
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Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated at today’s governmental meeting that the Georgian Dream government is creating a state program to protect and develop the Abkhazian language, the language of the Georgian region which is now occupied by Russia.
I congratulate all Georgian citizens on the day of the Abkhazian language, especially our Abkhazian brothers and sisters,” Kvirikashvili stated.
The PM said that the state program will be a "significant foundation” for the reconciliation process.
The program envisages multiple activities. Of course, we will allocate funds for the program from the state budget. I am sure the public will be actively involved in the implementation of the program.
I believe that our sincere and deep attitude to the Abkhazian language and culture will be crucial for the restoration of the burnt bridges that will unite us,” the PM added.
Russia recognized Georgia’s historic western region of Abkhazia as independent republic, together with Georgia’s Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region in the wake of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
The whole international community, except Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru, state the regions are occupied by Russia.
Today Georgia is celebrating Abkhaz Language Day – an important day in the country’s annual calendar. Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke of the importance of the day.
The nationwide celebration of Georgia’s Independence Day has reached the country’s occupied Abkhazia region.
Georgian movies that discuss the Georgia-Abkhazia relationship are being translated into the Abkhazian language as a way to promote Georgian movies in the breakaway region.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has congratulated the public on Abkhaz Language Day earlier today. Garibashvili emphasised that the Abkhaz language along with Georgian ‘is protected by the Constitution of Georgia and the state has a special obligation to preserve and develop it.’
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who recently attended an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of UNESCO, has called on the organisation to establish an international Day of Caucasian Languages, which also would include Abkhaz.
Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday said the government would work to study and promote the Abkhaz language in comments marking the national date of Abkhaz Language Day.