“The de-occupation of the Russia-occupied regions and the country’s unification remains the main challenge facing our state and society,” said Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in his statement in connection with the day of fall of Sokhumi commemorated on September 27.

“This war has left a devastating mark on our country. Ethnic cleansing has turned hundreds of thousands into refugees in their own homeland and, most lamentably, many of our compatriots have tragically fallen victim to it.

The de-occupation of the Russia-occupied regions and the country’s unification remains the main challenge facing our state and society.

Once again, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of war.

Today, as we commemorate this sacrifice, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Our Government is resolute in pursuing this path because we firmly believe that peace is the foundation upon which we must build a unified, strong, developed country together with our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers.

I am convinced that the future belongs to the unity, peace, and prosperity of Abkhazians and Georgians,” he wrote.

Today, Georgia commemorates the 30th anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi, occupied Abkhazia region.

The military confrontation in Abkhazia lasted 13 months and 13 days and ended on September 27, 1993, with the fall of Sokhumi and the defeat of the Georgian Armed Forces.

The war left over 10,000 Georgian soldiers and civilians killed and 300,000 people internally displaced.