Chair of Abkhazian Government calls for “reconciliation”, “unity”

Levan Mgaloblishvili, the Chair of the Government of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia, on Sunday issued a call for “unity and reconciliation” during a session in the town of Anaklia, adjacent to the north-western region. 

Delivered in the Abkhaz language, the statement highlighted the need for “mutual forgiveness and understanding to heal the divisions of the past”.

Now is the time to take significant steps toward each other”, Mgaloblishvili urged, highlighting the “deep connection” he felt with the Abkhaz language due to his maternal heritage. 

“We will begin to understand each other, to live together and take pride in each other - in each other’s traditions, culture, and bravery”, the official added. 

Mgaloblishvili further acknowledged the “pain caused by past conflicts” but expressed optimism that the people of Abkhazia could “rebuild their unity and dignity”. 

No one was left untouched by pain in those years, but we can return to our foundation - our unity”, he added.

The official concluded his speech by calling on the people to “come together once more”, saying “what enmity has torn down, love has rebuilt. Now is the time for love, for us to be together again, and to take big steps toward each other”.