Georgia’s opposition United National Movement (UNM) has called Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement regarding the start of the 2008 Russo-Georgian war “treasonous.” The party believes the head of government’s remarks directly threaten both the future prospects of the country’s territorial integrity and its overall sovereignty and independence.
“The statement by the so-called prime minister of Russian oligarch Ivanishvili’s regime claiming that Georgia’s Commander-in-Chief started the 2008 war on August 7 is a direct political justification for the occupation and the rapidly unfolding process of annexation of Georgia’s temporarily occupied territories by the Russian Federation; it is also identical to what Russia voices in its official statements. This represents an overt and direct betrayal of Georgia’s national interests.
It is symbolic that this treasonous statement by Mr. Kobakhidze was made at the memorial to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Georgia’s freedom, thereby insulting them as well as all patriots fighting for Georgia.”
In a special statement, the National Movement noted that Kobakhidze’s “treasonous move” is aimed at implementing a Russian plan in Georgia. The goal of this plan is not only to facilitate the annexation of the occupied regions, but also to revise the rulings of international courts, which have clearly and unequivocally recognized the Russian Federation as the aggressor.
“We call on all patriotic citizens of Georgia to fittingly condemn this treasonous act, as well as the methods and goals of the regime. It is our duty, as patriotic citizens of Georgia, to join forces to prevent the implementation of Putin’s plan in Georgia by a treasonous regime controlled by Russia and justifying the occupation. No to occupation! No to occupying Russia! No to the treasonous regime collaborating with the occupier! Glory to the heroes! Glory to Georgia!” the party’s statement reads.
