Georgian PM Kobakhidze considers various avenues to investigate 2008 war

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has indicated that the government might seek various legal avenues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 2008 war.

Kobakhidze suggested that the authorities could potentially approach the prosecutor's office, establish a parliamentary commission, or appeal to the Constitutional Court to clarify the events of the conflict, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The method for investigating the 2008 war could take different forms," Kobakhidze told Georgian journalists on the 16th anniversary of the conflict in South Ossetia. "We might use the prosecutor's office, create a parliamentary investigation commission, or turn to the Constitutional Court. It could involve any or all of these measures. The key objective is to thoroughly investigate the crimes committed by Saakashvili’s regime and the National Movement during that period."

The War in South Ossetia, also known as the Russo-Georgian War, occurred in August 2008 and was a conflict between Georgia and Russia, involving significant implications for the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions.

The origins of the conflict lie in the longstanding tensions between Georgia and these separatist regions. Both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, located within Georgian territory, had declared independence in the early 1990s, leading to sporadic violence and unresolved disputes. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who came to power in 2004, sought to reintegrate these regions into Georgian control. His administration's assertive stance on this issue heightened regional tensions.

The conflict erupted on the night of August 7-8, 2008, when Georgian forces launched an offensive to regain control of South Ossetia, which had been controlled by separatists. In response, Russia intervened decisively, deploying troops and tanks into South Ossetia. The conflict quickly escalated, with Russian forces expanding their operations into Georgia, targeting military bases and infrastructure. The fighting resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

A ceasefire agreement was reached on August 12, 2008, facilitated by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was holding the EU presidency. The agreement required Russian troops to withdraw to pre-conflict positions and allowed for international monitoring of the situation. Despite this, Russia formally recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, extending political, military, and economic support to them. This recognition has not been accepted by the majority of the international community.

Although a ceasefire was established, tensions between Russia and Georgia remain high, with ongoing disputes over the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.