Lelo: Strong state is essential to restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity

“Today is September 27, the day of the fall of Sokhumi. It is a day when the national tragedy of 33 years ago — the war in Abkhazia, the sacrifice of our heroes, Russian occupation and our internally displaced people waiting to return to their homes — is felt with particular intensity,” Lelo said in a statement delivered by party members near the Enguri River.

According to Lelo, Georgia’s territorial integrity is an issue that unites every Georgian.

“Everyone who considers themselves a citizen of Georgia will never question the fact that Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region are Georgia. We must restore Georgia’s territorial integrity, but this process cannot take place without a strong state — a state with a European future, a strong economy, a strong international position and a strong army, which is the main guarantor of peace.

“That is precisely why we need membership in the strong European family. Georgia must return to its European path. We must not allow further international isolation of the country, because an isolated and weakened Georgia directly increases the threat of the complete annexation of the territories occupied by Russia.

“Russia violated the territorial integrity of our country. Russian occupying forces are stationed on Georgian soil and are using every means to prevent the existence of a united and strong Georgia. But our history remembers many defeated empires, and we are confident that Russian occupation will end soon and that we will restore Georgia’s territorial integrity,” Lelo said.

Party members said the peaceful restoration of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is possible.

“We need to restore trust in Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian relations. For this, we need a strong and prosperous Georgia with a strong economy and strong infrastructure, including the Anaklia Deep Sea Port.

“Anaklia is not only an economic gateway connecting Europe and Asia; it should become one of the main pillars and cornerstones of a strong Georgian economy, the restoration of Georgian-Abkhaz trust and the development of a united and strong Georgia. A strong economy and the well-being of citizens are the foundation for restored relations.

“Our fellow citizens living in Abkhazia must clearly see the real benefits, opportunities and security that life in a united, European and developed Georgia will bring to them and future generations.

“A strong Georgian army must stand guard over a strong economy and European integration — an army that is not robbed or weakened and whose main purpose is to protect the country and peace. A strong Georgian army is a real guarantor of peace.

“By building a strong state, returning to the European course, developing the economy, strengthening international support and increasing defense capabilities, we will create the conditions necessary for the dignified return of our internally displaced people to their homes.

“The return of internally displaced people is not merely about repaying a debt to the past — it is one of the Georgian state’s main concerns and goals. We believe that the peaceful restoration of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is possible.

“For this, we need a strong Georgia — with a strong economy, a strong army, a European future and a dignified place in the international community. The day of the fall of Sokhumi once again reminds us of what we lost, and it is our responsibility to build a strong state capable of restoring territorial integrity through peaceful means.

“Glory to the heroes. Glory to a united and strong Georgia,” Lelo said.