Georgian PM calls for national sovereignty on anniversary of 2008 war

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has emphasised the importance of national sovereignty on August 8, a day that serves as a reminder of the need for the country to be governed by a sovereign government acting in its own national interests.

“August 8 is a tragic date — it was a betrayal committed by the then government. This day reminds us that it is necessary for the country to be governed by a sovereign government. A government that acts according to the dictates of its own national interests, and not according to the dictates of external forces,” Kobakhidze said while speaking to journalists at the Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

The Prime Minister also pledged to protect Georgia’s independence, stating, “We will defend the independence of our country to the end so that such crimes are not repeated and peace is preserved in our country and the interests of our country are protected.”

August 8 is observed in Georgia to commemorate the victims of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, which resulted in 411 deaths and displaced around 130,000 citizens internally. The conflict caused significant destruction, and Russia continues to occupy approximately 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory.

Each year on this day, citizens and politicians lay flowers and wreaths at the Mukhatgverdi mass grave, where those who died defending Georgia’s territorial integrity are buried. National flags are flown at half-mast on all administrative buildings and Georgian diplomatic missions abroad as a sign of respect and remembrance.

By Sabina Mammadli