The participants of the Tbilisi international conference "Glory to Ukraine!" visited the village of Odzisi near the occupation line.
Participants included David Kramer, a former high-ranking official of the United States State Department and director of global policy at the George W. Bush Presidential Center; MEP Anna Fotyga; Former US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, and others.
The participants of the conference got acquainted with the situation at the occupation line in Odzisi.
The conference aims to maintain Georgia's priority place in the world and transatlantic agenda, to promote democratic progress and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
This year's theme of the conference is "Glory to Ukraine!" The conference will discuss the new political and security reality created as a result of the war, the threats facing modern democracy, the future of European security, etc.
"On behalf of the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), the McCain Institute, and the George W. Bush Institute, we believe that this visit is very important as a reminder of what Georgia has experienced since 2008 and that it gives us lessons to learn from," David Kramer said.
We think it's important for our delegation to start our visit here as a reminder of what you live with every day. So, this is an expression of our support for Georgia, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will continue to support Georgia so that one day Georgia will be reunited within its internationally recognized borders," added Kramer.
Kramer also spoke regarding the Russian propaganda narrative that the US and West are trying to drag Georgia into a war with Ukraine.
"Russian propaganda tries to blame the United States and Europe. Of course, it is absurd to say that the United States wants to involve Georgia in the war. Georgia has already had a war, it doesn't need another war," he said
"I think we have seen the solidarity expressed by the Georgian people towards Ukraine. We saw thousands of Georgians taking to the streets in support of Ukraine. I think there was some concern at the government level, but it is absolutely ridiculous for anyone to claim that the United States wants to drag Georgia into a war. Anyone who says this is repeating the Kremlin's propaganda," Kramer added.
According to Kramer, de-oligarchization is as important in the EU recommendations as any other. He also added that he has expressed his views on the problems in this regard in the past and that his views have not changed. He thinks that de-oligarchization is an issue that should be taken seriously. He also expressed his hope that "among other things, we will see Georgia move closer to candidate status and then, hopefully, to EU membership."
"I think that Georgia is facing serious challenges, but one of the challenges is not the support of the Georgian people for joining the European Union and NATO. So, I think the country is in the right place. I think there are steps that the government should take. I hope they will take steps so that Georgia continues this path towards Atlantic institutions. I hope the EU's position is a wake-up call about what needs to be done here. I think every step of the EU plan is important. This is not a menu to choose from. All recommendations of the European Union should be taken into account," David Kramer said.
