“Peace is still fragile”: Georgian Parliament Speaker reflects on 2008 August War anniversary

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday marked the 17th anniversary of the 2008 August War with Russia, stating that the date was “on one hand, a day of remembering our heroes, and on the other hand, a day of reflecting on our future”.

In his remarks, Papuashvili paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the conflict.

“Today we remember our heroic soldiers and civilians who died in August, 17 years ago. Over 400 people were killed, and more than 1,500 were wounded. The central Government of Georgia lost control over 125 villages. This day makes us reflect on many things. First and foremost, it makes us think about the heroism shown by our soldiers, about our citizens who were forced to leave the war zone, and about how fragile peace truly is”, the Speaker noted.

He also underscored the fragile nature of peace, a lesson he believes remains relevant today.

“Peace is still fragile today, and the situation can change in an instant if our society does not act wisely. This day is, on one hand, a day of remembering our heroes, and on the other hand, a day of reflecting on our future”, Papuashvili concluded.