President Salome Zourabichvili Affirms Support for Ukraine in Address at Crimea Platform Summit
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, August 24, 2023
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, participated remotely in the Crimea Platform summit. During her speech at the summit, she once again expressed hope that Ukraine would be able to prevail and promised that Georgia would always stand by Ukraine's side, as it does now.
Zourabichvili conveyed full support and solidarity to Ukraine on behalf of Georgia and the Georgian people. She stated that today, Ukraine is not only fighting for its independence and freedom but also for the freedom and security of Europe.
"Today, the summit is convening once again against the backdrop of Ukraine's 18-month resistance against Russia's latest military aggression. This war represents a continuation of Russia's consistent historical pattern: dividing neighbors, occupation, conquest, threats, and imperial power. What should be legally prohibited in today's Europe tragically persists. Against this barbaric anachronism, Ukraine fights not only for its independence and sovereignty but also for the freedom and security of all of Europe," stated Zourabichvili.
According to her, this war once again highlights the global significance of the region, reinforcing the argument that the Black Sea is genuinely integral to European stability and security. It's a sea that cannot be subjected to a power-driven by militaristic ambitions, aiming to obstruct maritime security, free transit, and the global food supply.
"This war once again underscores that the stability and security of Europe remain unattainable unless they extend across the entire continent - from Lisbon to Tbilisi. It further highlights that the liberation of all occupied territories stands as an absolute prerequisite for peace and stability. This liberation will compel Russia to renounce its imperial behavior, providing the only steadfast foundation for a new and robust European security architecture. As Ukraine faces a conflict of a magnitude not witnessed on the continent since World War II, Europe will persist in showcasing unwavering support and solidarity for Ukraine, as it has diligently done since February 2022. This unity and these decisions are pivotal for Ukraine's victory and are equally vital for the future security of Georgia and Moldova," stated the President.
According to the President, Georgians, in the face of a new wave of pressure, threats, and multilateral provocations (which amounts to a hybrid war), have shown their clear determination to further strengthen the country's European integration path and remain faithful to their only perspective.
"Thus, I believe that Georgia will attain candidate status and once again join Ukraine and Moldova on the shared path of European integration. Russia must not be allowed to assume that it can offset its losses in Ukraine with achievements elsewhere. Dear President Zelensky, I wish to reiterate my belief that through the resilience of your people, Ukraine has already achieved a significant victory and will ultimately triumph over this barbaric war, reclaim its territories, and become a cornerstone of a secure and prosperous Europe in the future. Georgia will stand by you as it does now. Long live independent Ukraine!" the President declared.
