The people of Georgia came together this August on the 12th Anniversary of the Russian invasion of Georgian lands to honor the courageous soldiers who fought for the nation and the tens of thousands of refugees who were displaced by Russian aggression.
Across the country, Georgians from all regions and backgrounds paid respect to the heroes of the August 2008 War and to declare their resolute desire to regain the lost land and repatriate hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled Russian oppression.
The Georgian people are unified in their condemnation of Russian aggression of twelve years ago and Russia’s continued aggression today. Far from intimidating Georgians, the daily barrage of Russian disinformation, borderization and meddling has strengthened Georgia’s pro-Western preference for NATO and the EU membership and the benefits of democracy and free markets.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, visiting the Shindisi battle site to honor the fallen soldiers and civilians killed by Russian troops made clear that, “These were days full of tragedy that left us with the greatest pain and severe consequences. We will never tolerate the occupation.”
The Prime Minister and his government have made it abundantly clear that Georgia will not rest until the occupied lands are freed and Georgia becomes whole once again. Speaking of the August war, Gakharia declared, “We will never repeat the mistakes of the past because we know very well that there is no alternative to peace and that peace, joint work and economic progress are the preconditions for the unification of our country.”
In the face of continued Russian aggression, Georgia has forged ahead with reform of its institutions of government, built a strong economy, and assiduously engaged the world as allies to strengthen Georgia. There will come a day in the not too distant future when we will celebrate the reunion of Georgia.