Russia responsible for killing
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, May 27
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili says Russia is “fully responsible” for the “brutal and disgusting” murder of a Georgian man who was gunned-down by Russia’s border guards at Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) separating de-facto Abkhazia from rest of Georgia.
The PM stated this in front of 300 guests in capital Tbilisi at the 10th Defence and Security Conference on May 25, discussing Georgia’s, regional and the world security challenges.
“The security problems are because of Russia’s actions. Thus, first of all we are waiting for a relevant reaction over the murder from Russia and Abkhazia’s de-facto leadership. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard their responses yet,” Kvirikashvili said.
Kvirikashvili stressed that those who committed the murder of 31-year-old Giga Otkhozoria in the village of Khurcha – on Georgian territory – had attempted to “disrupt the reconciliation process between Georgians and the people of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
However, the PM said the Government continued to carry out a “peaceful policy” and appealed to the international community to be more active in supporting Georgia’s interests.
During the final day of the Conference, the PM also spoke about the upcoming Warsaw Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) scheduled in Poland on July 8-9 and stressed that Georgia was “hopeful over the gathering.”
The PM stressed Georgia was a “creator” and not a “consumer” of stability and safety.
“Georgia creates stability in NATO member states and other areas where it is necessary,” Kvirikashvili said.
The PM said that NATO membership is of the utmost importance for Tbilisi, as the integration process ensures high-level democratic reforms for Georgia.
On another note, Kvirikashvili spoke widely about the Government’s four-point reform agenda and highlighted the importance of the successful completion of the process.
