Georgia observes 13 years from the 2008 Russo-Georgian war
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Monday, August 9
On Saturday, August 7, 13 years have passed since the beginning of the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. The Russian forces still occupy 20 percent of the Georgian territory even after 13 years, and the creeping occupation continues to threaten people living near the so-called border.
Partners of Georgia made numerous statements regarding the 13 years of the war, saying that the crimes committed by Russia should not be forgotten. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Democratic Party, wrote on Twitter saying that Russia's incursion will not be forgotten.
“13 years ago, Russia invaded Georgia, which marked the start of a prolonged conflict w/Georgia. It also marked the start of Putin’s war on democracy. We will not forget Russia’s incursion & we stand by our Georgian partners in support of their sovereignty & territorial integrity,” wrote the Senator on her Twitter page.
The European Union representatives to Georgia also issued a statement saying that the EU condemns Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and its continued military presence in those regions in violation of international law and once again calls on Russia to adhere to the obligations taken under the August 12, 2008 agreement.
The statement talks about the situation of those leaving near the occupation line, saying that the rights of people are in danger every day due to the so-called borderization process. The statement also discusses the worsening situation in the regions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lack of medications in the occupied regions.
The statement, issued in agreement with the heads of EU missions accredited to Georgia, reaffirmed the EU's strong support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within the country's internationally recognized borders.
The representatives of the ruling party, as well as the opposition of Georgia, also issued statements regarding the 13 years passing from the beginning of the war. The majority of ruling party representatives made statements on August 8, which was negatively assessed by the opposition, saying that it is repeated “Russia’s narrative” on war.
As a sign of respect for the heroes who died in the August 2008 war, the leaders of European Georgia visited the Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery. The anniversary of the start of the 2008 Russia-Georgia five-day war is marked in Georgia on August 7-8. Opposition parties and a part of the public consider August 7 to be the start date of the war. According to them, the Russian army crossed the Georgian border on August 7 and after that, the Georgian state decided to resist.
According to Giorgi Kandelaki, one of the leaders of European Georgia, all those who believe that the war started on August 8, 2008, repeat the Russian version that “Georgia attacked Russia on its territory”.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili visited Gori and the memorial of people who died during the Russo-Georgian war. He said that it was a day for everyone to remember that the country should unite. “Only with unity we can accomplish the de-occupation of our country,” said Garibashvili.
The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, also made a statement regarding the war, saying that the country should not lose its hope. She also again said that “we all will see Georgia united again”.
August 7 marks the 13 years anniversary of the Russo-Georgian war. The war was ongoing for five days and ended with Russian forces controlling 20 percent of Georgian territory. Although the war is over, the conflict is far from ending. Majority of Georgians living near the occupation line constantly live in a fear of losing their freedom to occupation.
