A somber wreath-laying ceremony by senior officials and politicians on September 27 at a memorial of Georgian fallen soldiers on Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi marked 22th anniversary of what is known in Georgia as “fall of Sokhumi”, when the Georgian troops were forced out of breakaway Abkhazia’s capital on this day in 1993.
In Abkhazia this day is marked as a celebration of “liberation of Sukhum”.
In a written statement, PM Irakli Garibashvili, who is now visiting New York for the UN General Assembly, said September 27 is “one of the most tragic dates for Georgia.”
“Thousands of Abkhazians and Georgians fell victim to this fratricidal war. Nothing can compensate for this loss. We pay tribute to their memory,” he said.
“The war divided us [Abkhazians and Georgians], but we will regain each other peacefully. Peace has no alternative; we rule out any kind of aggression.”
“Thousands of people became displaced. Their return [back to their homes in Abkhazia] should to take place based on mutual agreement, in dignity and through confidence building,” the PM said. “The Georgian government will do utmost to make firm will of Georgians and Abkhazians main foundation for restoration of peace and brotherhood between us. I am confident that we will be able to reach an agreement and peaceful coexistence.”
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