Parliament Speaker lauds armed forces’ “heroic past”, memory of servicemembers on anniversary

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday hailed the “heroic past” of the Georgian Defence Forces and memory of servicemembers fallen in conflicts and international missions in comments marking the 33rd anniversary of the country’s armed forces.

Papuashvili told an occasion hosted for the date the GDF were “the backbone of the society, the basis of peace, stability and well-being, [and] an outstanding part of our population” who served the country “fearlessly and with dignity”.

Our history is rich with examples of heroism when our brave military personnel firmly defended the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests of our state. At different times in the most difficult places of the world, they have shown proud courage and bravery by the support of our partners. They have earned respect and praise”, he said.

The official also addressed family members of servicemembers who sacrificed their lives in service, noting they were “patriots and heroes” of the country whose “bravery and sacrifice” would always be remembered, adding “thanks to their heroism, Georgia stands today as an independent, free state”.

The official told the event “threats facing Georgia did not fade away” after the country restored its independence, adding “rather, these risks become worse every 10 years due to both visible and hidden enemies that pose a threat to the country's population and unity”.

Russia's occupation of the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali [South Ossetia], terrorism, hybrid wars, large-scale conflicts around us, other threats against Georgia - these are the challenges that our country is facing”, the official said.

Papuashvili confirmed the Government’s “full support” for the armed forces to continue their “fruitful cooperation” with both international partners and “in other formats”. He also reaffirmed support for equipping the Defence Forces “with the best technology” and supporting their development with training and armament.