Georgia’s Defence and Security Conference Highlights ‘Gravest Humanitarian Situation’ in occupied regions
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, November 2
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has spoken about “gravest humanitarian situation” in the Georgian occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali during the 12th Georgian Defence and Security conference in Batumi.
“From this platform, I would like to reiterate today the topic of Georgia's occupation as our country's most serious challenge.
“Today, 10 years after the military intervention, we see what I call the most calamitous humanitarian disaster in the occupied territories. Because of the region's growing militarization, depopulation grows stronger, and the population is decreasing drastically. The most grievous humanitarian, socioeconomic, and human rights conditions persist,” Bakhtadze told up to 300 local and foreign guests of the international conference,” Bakhtadze stated.
Bakhtadze said that barbed wires split entire families and violate basic human rights.
“Kidnapping, inhuman and cruel treatment, torture and murder continue. Russia has yet to fulfill the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, while Georgia has not only fulfilled it to the letter but has also assumed the obligation of non-use of force,” Bakhtadze said.
Bakhtadze also spoke about Georgia’s merit for international peace and security and Georgia’s efforts to be in line with NATO standards.
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said at the conference that Georgia and NATO are developing a high quality and intensified cooperation.
“Our call and our orientation are unwavering; It involves some important issues and topics. The success, achieved by Georgia in terms of NATO integration, is an integral part of this process… But the heroism of the Georgian soldiers on the battlefield is the major part of this important process.
“Today I must reiterate their great commitment to Georgia's integration into NATO, as well as global security, “ Margvelashvili said.
He also stated about the importance of the National Security Council under the president, which is planned to be abolished by the changed constitution of Georgia.
