Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili addressed Crimea Platform Summit attendees, dubbing this platform as a window of opportunity to speak out of “the atrocities that the occupation forces have been committing against our people.”
PM recalled the August war when the Russian Federation launched a large-scale military attack against Georgia killing hundreds of civilians and military.
Garibashvili believes unresolved conflicts create “a gloomy picture” for the regional countries and undermine European and Euro-Atlantic security. He says the countries should take a stronger stance against the illegal occupation and creeping annexation with joint efforts.
“Without resolving the conflicts in the region, the West is bound to come face-to-face with ever-increasing sources of destabilization. Despite the existing security threats Georgia and Ukraine continue to aspire for the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Georgia is committed to peaceful conflict resolution, and we are determined to define further a broader and proactive vision for a peaceful resolution. We have assumed this responsibility towards our people, and we are very persistent on this path,” Garibashvili underscored.
PM pledged the country is pursuing unequivocal consolidation of democratic reforms and sustainable economic development, along with the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
“No matter how hard our opponents try to hinder our development, we continue to push harder. We have been tested many times throughout our history but have never cracked against the challenge. In this light, we hope that the Crimean Platform will become an important stage supported by our international partners, which will have a far-reaching impact against existent challenges in the Black Sea region. Finally, with joint efforts and strategic approach, we will be able to shape Black Sea region into the area of opportunities, where economies thrive, and people prosper,” PM stated.
The first Crimean Platform Summit kicked off today in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The summit hosts delegates from more than 40 countries.
Reaffirmed our unwavering support for ??’s territorial integrity & sovereignty at @CrimeaPlatform & raised the issue of ??’s occupied territories. Only through joint efforts w/ Int’l partners we will be able to define a proactive vision for peaceful conflict resolution. pic.twitter.com/6cJsxYUrlN
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) August 23, 2021
