Ex-Pres. Saakashvili did “Russia’s job” in 2008 - PM on Russia-Georgia war anniversary
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili called the previous Government an “anti-state” and “hostile force”. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday accused the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili of having done “Russia’s job” by “failing to calculate risks” to prevent the armed conflict with Moscow in 2008, in his message on the 15th anniversary of the war.
In his press comments, the official said the final armed units of Russia had left the Georgian territory in 2007 - following a long process of withdrawal of troops stationed on the territory of the country since the dissolution of the Soviet Union - adding the “unreasonable” actions of the United National Movement Government authorities had “returned them” in 2008 in “larger scales” during the conflict, resulting in the occupation of 20 percent of the country’s territory.
Calling the previous Government an “anti-state” and “hostile force”, the head of the Government added Saakashvili and his office had acted “shamefully” and “cowardly” during the conflict, on the background of “heroism” of the country’s servicemembers.
It was a truly anti-national Government that cared not about unification of Georgia or protection of our people or national interests, but a Government that cared only about its own interests and betrayed the country’s interests”, Garibashvili said.
He stressed he believed reunification could be achieved by the “correct and peaceful” policies of his office, adding the current authorities were doing “their utmost” to ensure “peace and stability” in the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday highlighted the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia remained the “main challenge” for the sovereignty and further development of the country, in remarks over the 15th anniversary of the 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russia and the war between the two states.
The Georgian State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civil Equality on Monday said Russia was proceeding with its illegal occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions in “gross violation” of international law and the 2008 ceasefire agreement, in a message for the 15th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict.
Foreign government officials, dignitaries of international organisations and diplomats on Monday expressed their support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and condemned Russia’s 2008 aggression against it in comments over the 15th anniversary of the conflict.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday expressed his belief the country must regain its Russian-occupied territories through a “peaceful, correct, smart and pragmatic” policy, in remarks over the 15th anniversary of the 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russia and the war between the two states.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday said the international community “turning a blind eye” to Russia’s military intervention in Georgia in 2008 had led to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by the Kremlin.
Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Tuesday said the current decade was the “only” period in the country without a war, a circumstance he said was ensured by the ruling Georgian Dream party Government, in remarks over the 15th anniversary of the 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russia and the war between the two states.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday alleged the ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory by Russia was an “outcome of the betrayal committed” by the former United National Movement Government, in remarks over the 15th anniversary of the 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russia and the war between the two states.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday honoured the 17 Georgian servicemembers who lost their lives during a battle in central Georgia’s Shindisi village during the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia.
Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Human Rights, on Monday said the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili “must not be able to carry out an election campaign in the country” as he would “have to respect the laws, rules and order”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili addressed Abkhazian and Ossetian “brothers and sisters” in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday and said only together with them Georgia could ensure lasting stability, attract increased investments and reach their full potential as a united nation.
Georgian Justice Minister Rati Bregadze on Monday said the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili had “voluntarily renounced” his Georgian citizenship and therefore had “no legal leverage” to participate in domestic politics.