Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili Addresses Ukraine Peace Summit
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, June 17, 2024
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, speaking at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, emphasized the shared hardships between Ukrainians and Georgians due to Russia's aggressive actions. Zourabichvili highlighted Ukraine's courageous defense against Russian aggression for over 800 days, stressing the immense suffering and loss of innocent lives caused by this conflict.
The Georgian President expressed solidarity with Ukraine in her speech, stating that the war concerns not only Ukraine and Russia but also threatens the freedom and security of all Europe. She condemned Russia's imperialistic ambitions, drawing parallels to Georgia's own struggles with Russian occupation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.
Zourabichvili underscored the interconnected nature of conflicts in the region, urging concerted efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine and to address territorial disputes across Europe. She emphasized the importance of international cooperation and upholding democratic principles in the face of such challenges. President called for solidarity and collective action to ensure peace and justice prevail in the world.
"For more than 800 days, Ukrainians have faced and courageously defended against brutal aggression from Russia, which has caused unimaginable suffering, destruction, and the loss of innocent lives. For more than 800 days, with their endless resolve and determination, the Ukrainians have inspired all of us. Let us not forget that this war does not concern solely Ukraine and Russia; instead, it affects the freedom and security of Europe as a whole and the very core ideals on which our understanding of the world order of international cooperation and peace is established.
We must be unwavering in our condemnation of these actions and resolute in our support for peace. This is not just a fight for territorial integrity; it is a fight for the principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Unfortunately, the human suffering of Ukrainians is not unknown to Georgians. We, too, have been victims of Russia's imperialistic ambitions that should have no place in the 21st century, and we continue to suffer the human toll of the ongoing occupation of Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.
It is clear that the war in Ukraine is not an isolated conflict but a continuation of Russia's destructive policy against its neighbours. It is for this reason that we seek to find and obtain lasting, sustainable peace in Ukraine. We must also address all territorial conflicts and occupations, such as those in Georgia and Moldova, to ensure that we secure a prosperous future for Europe. The war in Ukraine has shown the importance of Europe, and especially the Black Sea region, to the world at large, and I hope that the important discussions at this summit will lay the foundations for lasting peace.
The war in Ukraine is a call to action for all of us. It challenges us to stand together in solidarity, uphold the values that bind us, and strive for a world where peace and justice prevail. And with all of us standing together, peace and justice will prevail," said the President.
