Georgia marked a sombre milestone on Wednesday, commemorating the 31st anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi with a nationwide lowering of flags. This observance honours those who lost their lives during the Abkhazia conflict.

The Ministry of Defence has lowered flags to half-mast at all defence agency administrative buildings and military installations throughout Georgia’s regions. This act of reverence was mirrored across various government institutions.

The Presidential Administration issued a formal statement announcing the lowering of the state flag at the Presidential Palace. Concurrently, the Parliament and other administrative bodies adhered to a government decree, following suit in this display of national mourning.

In alignment with the day’s solemnity, the State Security Service disclosed that state flags were lowered on all its administrative edifices, paying tribute to the memory of those who perished in the Abkhazia war.

A delegation from the ruling Georgian Dream party, including Davit Kodua, a candidate for the Zugdidi delegation, and Nino Tsilosani, one of the majority leaders, participated in a symbolic gathering near the occupation line in the village of Rukhi.

Kodua reflected on the gravity of the occasion, stating, “Three decades have passed since this most solemn date, which represents the most profound tragedy in our nation’s history.” He emphasized a message of peaceful reunification, extending an olive branch to the Abkhazian community.

“We earnestly propose to our Abkhazian brethren a future of coexistence, mutual care, and the rekindling of our shared historical bonds that have united us for centuries,” Kodua said.

Tsilosani echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the day’s emotional weight while reiterating the commitment to peaceful reconciliation.

“While this day carries immense sorrow and pain, our foremost message remains one of peaceful reunification,” Tsilosani said.

The conflict in Abkhazia began on August 14, 1992, lasting 13 months and 13 days before culminating in the fall of Sokhumi on September 27, 1993. This protracted struggle resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, leaving deep scars on the Georgian nation.