Georgian PM considers it realistic to reunify Georgia with its breakaway regions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that the reunification of Georgia with its breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, remains a realistic goal—provided the Georgian people exercise patience.

In an interview with the Georgian Imedi TV, Kobakhidze emphasized that a calm and measured approach could pave the way for restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity, per Caliber.Az.

"The restoration of [Georgia's] territorial integrity, I believe, is realistic if we remain patient and let that patience guide our policies. The resolution of this issue will, of course, depend on various factors, but with patience and the right policy, everything is possible," he said.

The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have remained outside Tbilisi’s control since the early 1990s, following separatist conflicts. Tensions escalated in August 2008, when Georgia launched a military operation to regain control of South Ossetia’s capital, Tskhinvali. In response, Russia deployed troops to the region, citing the protection of Russian citizens and peacekeepers. Georgian forces were subsequently driven back.

On August 26, 2008, Russia formally recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Moscow's decision came after the five-day conflict with Georgia, during which then-President Mikheil Saakashvili ordered a military campaign against South Ossetia, which had declared its sovereignty. The operation resulted in the shelling of Tskhinvali, leading to civilian casualties. Russia responded by sending in troops and expelling Georgian forces from the area.

Tbilisi continues to consider both regions as integral parts of Georgia and has repeatedly rejected their claims to independence. In recent years, Georgian authorities have increasingly pushed for a peaceful path toward reunification.

As part of its proposal, the Georgian government has offered Abkhazians and Ossetians autonomous status with extensive rights and has also signaled openness to the idea of forming a confederation.

By Khagan Isayev