Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, last weekend suggested that Georgia should apologize to Ossetians for the 2008 war with Russia. Speaking at a campaign event in Gori, he claimed that the National Movement, led by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, was responsible for igniting the conflict, and that Georgians should express regret for the suffering caused.
The war in August 2008 resulted in Russia recognizing the breakaway regions of “South Ossetia” and Abkhazia as independent states after a five-day military engagement. While Russia has asserted control over these regions, most of the international community still regards them as Georgian territory.
Ivanishvili described the Saakashvili administration as a “criminal regime” acting under foreign influence. He pledged that, following the upcoming elections on October 26, those responsible for instigating the war would be held accountable, and this would lead to a formal apology from the Georgian people.
Saakashvili is currently serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power. His United National Movement party condemned Ivanishvili’s remarks as shameful and treacherous, stating that they serve Russian interests.
Girchi party MP Sandro Rakviashvili countered Ivanishvili’s stance, claiming that families of fallen soldiers and the population have nothing to apologize for, as they were the victims of Russian aggression. He emphasized that the focus should not be on apologies, but on the realities of the conflict, and urged voters to critically assess Ivanishvili’s statements and motives in the lead-up to the election.
De-facto Sokhumi authorities welcomed Ivanishvili’s statement “if it is supported with real steps,” while the occupation regime in Tskhinvali linked it to Georgia’s upcoming Parliamentary elections.
By Team GT
