Salome Zurabishvili addressed the participants of the Crimea Platform Summit
The President of Georgia extended her complete support and solidarity to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on behalf of both Georgia and its citizens.
In her message, Zurabishvili noted that the summit was convening amidst Ukraine’s persistent 18-month stand against Russian military intervention. She depicted this conflict as a continuum of Russia’s unchanging endeavours, mirroring the historical paradigm of territorial divisions, occupation, conquest, and the wielding of imperial power.
The ongoing war underscored the global significance of the region, substantiating the argument that the Black Sea constitutes an inseparable facet of European stability and security. Zurabishvili noted the folly of subjecting this sea to a power willing to jeopardise maritime security, unhindered transit, and global food supplies in pursuit of militaristic ambitions.
Moreover, the President of Georgia affirmed that the persisting conflict in Ukraine underscores the indispensability of extending stability and security across the entire European continent – from Lisbon to Tbilisi. According to Zurabishvili, this conflict reinforces the necessity of liberating all occupied territories as a fundamental precondition for establishing lasting peace and stability. She emphasised that such liberation would compel Russia to renounce imperialistic behaviour, providing the sole stable foundation for a rejuvenated and robust European security architecture.
Highlighting the unprecedented magnitude of the conflict Ukraine faces, Zurabishvili articulated Europe’s unwavering support and unity toward Ukraine. She stressed the paramount significance of this unity and determination for Ukraine’s triumph, as well as their pivotal role in ensuring the security of Georgia and Moldova.
Zurabishvili lauded her people’s unwavering resolve in the face of escalating pressures, threats, and multifaceted provocations akin to hybrid warfare. Their resolute commitment to fortifying the nation’s path toward European integration remains steadfast and resolute, even in the face of adversity.
Russia threatens to annex Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, has communicated through Russian propaganda media his views on the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as his perspective on the 2008 Russian aggression in Georgia.
Medvedev’s rhetoric aligns with statements from the ruling party’s representatives concerning the conflict in Georgia. Specifically, the ex-president of Russia attributes the outbreak of war to Georgia, blaming the actions of Saakashvili and his supporters for what he terms “irresponsible and criminal actions.”
“In 2008, we intervened to halt the advance towards Tbilisi and avert imminent threats. However, presently, tensions are resurging actively, seemingly to establish another focal point of instability along our borders adjoining the Ukrainian territory.
Renewed discussions surround the potential inclusion of Georgia in NATO. Anti-Russian sentiments are becoming prominent in the nation. We aim to avoid repeating the events of 2008. We are open to diplomatic resolutions in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. Nevertheless, if our concerns materialise, we will not hesitate to act. The notion of integrating Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Russia remains viable, subject to valid justifications.
There would have been no war 15 years ago, if not for the irresponsible and criminal actions of Saakashvili and his supporters. The odious Saakashvili regime received a harsh and swift response. “Peace was established in the 2 brotherly republics, where thousands of citizens of our country lived,” said Medvedev.
In response to Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia released a statement, characterising his comments as an continuation of the Russian Federation’s policy of occupying Georgian territories. The ministry denounced the statement as yet another encroachment upon Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the principles and norms outlined in international law and uphold the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008.
On August 26, occupied regions of Georgia commemorated the self-proclaimed 15th anniversary of their “independence”. South Ossetia announced the attendance of over 20 official delegations from Russia and other countries. List included, Nicaragua, Transnistria [the occupied region of Moldova], Abkhazia [the occupied region of Georgia], North Ossetia, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic [occupied territory of Ukraine], Crimea [annexed peninsula of Ukraine], Kabardino-Balkaria and others.
In Abkhazia, celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of recognition reportedly included the arrival of Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev, and First Deputy of the Committee on Defense and Security of the Russian Federation Council, Vladimir Chizhov. Russian media had previously reported the visit of Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council, to occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia. During this visit, Medvedev met with the leaders of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev and Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania.
Members of Georgian government congratulated Ukraine Independence Day
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, expressed his well-wishing on August 24 through a tweet: “Warmest congratulations to Ukraine on the Independence Day! I wish our friendly Ukrainian people the end of the war soon, restoration of territorial integrity, peace & prosperity.”
President Salome Zurabishvili’s message stood apart:
“Dear Mr. President, esteemed Ukrainian friends, Georgia stands steadfastly by your side. As we commemorate this Independence Day, Georgia joins you in celebrating the hard-fought battle you’ve waged over the past year and a half. When your victory is realised, we will share in your joy on Victory Day. Happy Independence Day.”
The mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, also conveyed his felicitations to Ukraine:
“I congratulate our friend, Ukraine, and the heroic people of Ukraine on their Independence Day! May your struggle lead to victory, development, and peace!!! I wish Ukraine territorial integrity and prosperity!”
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia released a statement:
“Georgia stands in solidarity with Ukraine and affirms its unswerving commitment to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial cohesion. We wish for the Ukrainian populace a future defined by harmony and flourishing.”
It is worth noting that the statements from Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have sparked criticism from opposition factions and civil society organisations due to their perceived lack of emphasis on victory and their emphasis on peace instead. Despite the varying sentiments, the overarching intention of these messages is to showcase Georgia’s solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Kobakhidze: We decided to initiate the impeachment procedure against the president
Georgian Dream starts the impeachment procedure against the President of Georgia. Chairman of the party, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced this at the briefing held after the session of the political council. According to him, “Salome Zurabishvili grossly violated the Constitution of Georgia and started a series of visits to foreign countries without the consent of the government”.
Irakli Kobakhidze notes that “it is impossible to complete the impeachment procedure” in the current political situation, however, “any turning a blind eye to the violation of the constitution undermines the rule of law”. According to the chairman of the Georgian Dream, the signatures of the deputies of the parliamentary majority will be collected in the coming days, and a corresponding submission will be submitted to the Constitutional Court with the request for the impeachment of the president.
The Constitution of Georgia envisages the only effective legal mechanism for its violation – impeachment. Yesterday and today, we have repeatedly pointed out that despite the gross violation of the Constitution, it is impossible to complete the impeachment procedure in the current political situation, it requires the support of 100 parliamentarians, therefore, without the support of the radical opposition. It has no prospect of enforcement, however, Despite this, we decided to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President of Georgia”. Add Kobakhidze
In addition, the impeachment procedure will once again expose the common agenda of the radical opposition and Salome Zurabishvili, which is directed against the interests of Georgia, including the acceptance of candidate status,” Kobakhidze said.
The Chairman of Georgian Dream says that any European visit of the President of Georgia is counterproductive in terms of getting the candidate status.
It is known to the public that the President of Georgia has a radically different attitude from the government towards the processes related to Georgia’s acceptance of the candidate status of the European Union. In particular, his position is that Georgia did not deserve the candidate status last year, moreover, according to his statement, the Parliament and the Government of Georgia are now only formally fulfil the requirements of the European Union Which means that, in his opinion, she does not deserve the status of Georgia’s candidate even now.” Therefore, the refusal of the Georgian government regarding the planned European tour of the president is justified both from a legal and political point of view,” says Irakli Kobakhidze.