PM on 2008 war: “unfortunate” then-Gov’t did not impose sanctions on Russia
The Government head also raised the matter of the “continuing impact of the war,” referring to the occupation of 20 percent of Georgia's territories by Russia and adding “we are well aware of how many risks and how many tragedies are taking place in Ukraine now” amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Photo: Government of Georgia
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The previous Georgian Government did not impose sanctions on Russia following the 2008 war between the countries, only severing diplomatic relations with the occupier country, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told reporters on Thursday in a briefing following a meeting with Polish colleague Mateusz Morawiecki.
During joint comments to the press, Garibashvili also noted world leaders had not imposed sanctions against Russia following the five-day war in 2008, recalling former Polish President Lech Kaczynski calling for “sharp and bold” decisions regarding Georgia's European integration in the wake of the conflict.
After the war, unfortunately, the then-Government handed over state-owned companies to Russia, sold strategic energy facilities, unilaterally lifted visa requirements for Russian citizens, and supported Russia's membership in the World Trade Organisation,” Garibashvili said.
The Government head also raised the matter of the “continuing impact of the war,” referring to the occupation of 20 percent of Georgia's territories by Russia and adding “we are well aware of how many risks and how many tragedies are taking place in Ukraine now” amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The war between Russia and Georgia began on August 8, 2008, and left 408 Georgian citizens dead and about 26,000 internally displaced.