A civic movement called the “Anti-Annexation Platform” has been established in Georgia. According to its founders, the new association will be non-partisan and apolitical, with its primary goal being the legal and peaceful opposition to Russia’s occupation and de facto annexation of Georgian territories.
During the platform’s presentation, a declaration was adopted stating that the movement brings together Georgian citizens who regard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, principles of international law, freedom, and human dignity as their core values.
The authors emphasize that Russia’s occupation in any form, the de facto annexation of the regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia), the support for separatism, and forced demographic changes in the occupied territories constitute a violation of international law and fundamental human rights.
The declaration also states that the platform is ready to cooperate with members of any political party, regardless of their political affiliation, as well as with international partners, think tanks, and diplomatic missions.
The association supports the introduction of targeted international sanctions against leaders of the de facto authorities and individuals involved in the annexation process. The declaration was signed by:
- Vladimer Chachibaia – former Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces;
- Nodar Kharshiladze – former Deputy Minister of Defense and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, co-founder of the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center (GSAC/CSAC);
- Akia Barbakadze – Reserve Colonel, former Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia;
- Kakha Gogidze – director;
- Paata Davitaia – Chairman of the European Democrats of Georgia party;
- Nikoloz Vashakidze – former Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia, former First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister of Defense;
- Mamuka Gamkrelidze – former Ambassador of Georgia to China;
- Giorgi Melashvili – Director of the European-Georgian Institute (EGI);
- Irakli Tabliashvili – journalist.