Georgian PM addresses residents of occupied Abkhazia and Ossetia, does not mention Russia
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze (Getty Images)
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the residents of the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia during his speech at the UN General Assembly, but refrained from mentioning Russia, citing Echo of the Caucasus.
Kobakhidze, speaking at the 79th UN General Assembly, emphasized that despite the occupation of 20% of Georgia's territory, the country continues to "thrive and grow".
Kobakhidze then turned his attention to the residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, urging the restoration of "broken bridges."
"I want to use this opportunity to address our people on the other side of the occupation line, in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. Whatever actions we take are done to help our people so that one day, with our children, we can live together in one happy, united, and developed Georgia. On this side of the occupation line, we will always meet you with an open heart. We have to rebuild all the broken bridges in our country," he said.
The Georgian Prime Minister also touched on the war in Ukraine, calling it an "unprecedented level of uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis." Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
However, during his speech, while discussing the occupied Georgian regions and the war in Ukraine, Kobakhidze did not mention Russia.
Occupation of Georgian regions
In August 2008, Russia deployed troops into Georgia. As a result of the conflict, Georgia lost control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Moscow recognized the "independence" of these regions, though globally, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are considered occupied and part of Georgia’s territory.
Earlier, Georgia expressed its desire to join the European Union together with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
