PM addresses world in Georgian from UN tribune, says ‘Russia withdraw your occupation forces!’
PM Mamuka Bakhtadze stated that Russia’s main motivation was a military intervention to establish military bases in Georgian territories. Photo: Prime Minister’s press office.
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Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze addressed the world in Georgian from the UN high tribune yesterday and urged Russia to fulfill its obligations and withdraw its occupation forces from the Georgian territory.
Bakhtadze said that it was the great honor for him to address the 73rd UN General Assembly in Georgian, in “one of the most ancient languages of the world civilisation and its integral part.”
I urge Russia: fulfill your assumed and signed international obligations and withdraw your occupation forces from Georgia's territory!” Bakhtadze said.
It's a great honor to address #UNGA in my native language, #Georgian, one of the most ancient languages in the world that is considered to be the #Treasure of the #Civilization pic.twitter.com/a3faFDtVY9
— Mamuka Bakhtadze (@BakhtadzeMamuka) September 27, 2018
Occupation of Georgian regions as a regional threat
Bakhtadze said that Russian illegalities in Georgia create threats for the whole region.
Due to the existing conflicts in the South Caucasus, even a minor incident may escalate into an uncontainable process with subsequent heavy consequences,” the PM said.
Bakhtadze said that in 2008, aggression against Georgia was perceived in the world as a problem in the relations between only two countries.
The way things unfolded further, however, showed that the then world was unprepared to provide an adequate assessment and response to this aggression.
Unfortunately, the United Nations proved to be ineffective in the face of this challenge. Moreover, the system of global security is eroding before our very eyes. Today's world needs a stronger United Nations!” Bakhtadze said.
The situation in the occupied territories of #Georgia is a humanitarian catastrophe. The international community’s firm support in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict is critically important. We must stand together and stand strong! #UNGA2018 pic.twitter.com/GlAijZLsSP
— Mamuka Bakhtadze (@BakhtadzeMamuka) September 27, 2018
“Georgia's every success is your success!”
Bakhtadze told the people living in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) of Georgia that “Georgia’s every success is your success.”
We share a common historical past, which must pave the way for our future, which I am convinced will bring us peace and prosperity.
You should enjoy all the benefits put in place by Georgia, be it human rights, education, healthcare, or visa-free travel to Europe,” Bakhtadze said.
Bakhtadze said that the situation in the occupied territories is a “humanitarian disaster at its worst”.
This reiterates that Russia’s main motivation was a military intervention to establish military bases in our territories, not to protect the rights or interests of the local population, as they publicly, officially declare. This true intention is witnessed firsthand on a daily basis by our citizens in the occupied territories,” Bakhtadze stated.
Bakhtadze said that Georgia is trying to achieve the “only peaceful resolution of conflict” through the Geneva International Discussions and other, local formats, as well as by help of the new peace initiatives of the government of Georgia.
But that can only be accomplished based on the respect for Georgia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the principles of international law,” he said.
Georgia-organic part of Europe
Bakhtadze told the audience that Georgia, with its values and contribution, has always been an organic part of Europe and has always been committed to international peace and security.
Suffice to say, the multiparty Georgian Parliament a century ago included five women of different confessions, an achievement rarely found even among the established democracies of that time.
Today's Georgia is the heir and successor to the values planted a century ago.
He said that Georgia has upgraded much for protecting prisoners’ rights and the current government ensured the freedom and pluralism of media.
Civil society plays a definitive role in the process of democracy building,” he added.
The Georgian PM said that his country is ready to contribute for international peace and fight against terrorism. Photo: Prime Minister's press office.
Economic prospects and a new offer
Bakhtadze stated that the Georgian government has taking all steps to maximally use the country’s beneficial location.
At the same time, we are developing digital economy poised to advance the country to a qualitatively new level,” he said.
Bakhtadze stated that for centuries Georgia has connected Europe and Asia.
Bakhtadze stated that a few years ago the Georgian Dream government addressed the world from this platform and offered to host the Silk Road Forum in Georgia.
We have not only made this forum a reality but have also reclaimed Georgia's historical role in the wider Silk Road region.
Today, however, I would like to propose a new initiative and offer you to facilitate the Tbilisi Forum focusing on transforming the Black Sea Region and the Caucasus, currently areas of confrontation and challenges, into a space for peace, cooperation, and development,” Bakhtadze stated.
The PM also spoke about the NATO-Georgia relations and said that the relations have become “very dynamic and comprehensive”.