The Georgian people were joined by allies from around the world commemorating the August 2008 Russian invasion and the call for Russia to retreat from its illegal occupation of Georgian territory. As a result of 8 years of aggressive diplomatic and security partnerships, the Georgian government has seen the international community rally to its side and condemn Russian expansionist ambitions and illegal claims on Georgia.
The international community has come together to condemn Russian aggression and call for complete withdrawal of troops in support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The United States and European countries including Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all called on Russia to withdraw troops and expressed concern about the ongoing Russian disinformation campaign related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Support from the United States was particularly strong, with statements from the Department of State, Congress, and Think Tanks. A list of supporting statements from Georgia’s American partners can be found here.
The Middle East Institute’s Frontier Europe initiative hosted the international conference, Peace and Security in Europe: 12 years of Georgia’s Struggle for De-Occupation which incorporated speakers and experts from around the globe including Tbilisi, Washington, London, Brussels, and Berlin.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, David Zalkaliani, made an opening statement and highlighted Russia’s intensified hybrid warfare in Georgia and the greater region. The Minister also stressed the need to keep Georgia at the top of the European security agenda to end Russia’s illegal occupation. US Representative Adam Kinzinger also denounced Russia’s continued aggression and his desire for Georgia to become a full member of NATO. The Congressman emphasized the strong level of support in the US House, Senate, and Executive branch for Georgia.
Foreign Policy interviewed Ambassador David Bakradze on Russia’s invasion, the recent increased media propaganda efforts, continued aggression by the Russian Federation, and Georgia’s NATO and EU aspirations. In the interview, Ambassador Bakradze stated, “I think that at some point Russia will realize that far from intimidating Georgia they have also united once again the desire [to join] and very much accelerated the tempo of Georgians marching [into] NATO and the European Union.”
The America-Georgia Business Council also hosted an international conference which included speakers from Georgia, the United States, and the European Union who all voiced their support for Georgia. Stephen Biegun, the US Deputy Secretary of State spoke at the event and highlighted the strength of the US-Georgia partnership and shared values of liberty, democracy, human rights, and rule of law.