Defence Minister: ruling party ensuring current decade “only period without war” in Georgia

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.

Burchuladze said the Government was pursuing a peaceful policy on the occupied regions and added there had been “no [armed] conflict in the country” despite challenges in the wider region.

The period of our Government is the only decade when there has been no war [in the country]. [...] We are pursuing a peaceful policy, we are focused on the development of Georgia's economy. Although there is a huge challenge in the region, there has been no conflict”, Burchuladze told the local media.

The Defence Minister stressed that the “main function” of the Government was to “always support our heroes and their families”.

Today we will once again remember and honour our heroes. Georgia lost more than 400 citizens [in the war], including more than 170 from the Defence Forces. Once again, I bow before our heroes and their families”, he concluded.

Earlier today Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili highlighted the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia remained the “main challenge” for the sovereignty and further development of the country.

In his message, Garibashvili noted the date carried a “special importance for every citizen" of the country.