PM says no betrayal by Saakashvili, UNM justifies Russia’s occupation of 20% of Georgia’s territory

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said no act of betrayal by the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili or the United National Movement Government could ever justify the occupation of Georgian territories carried out by Russia.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze emphasised that Russia currently occupies 20% of Georgia’s territory and that restoring the country’s territorial integrity through peaceful means remains his Government’s foremost national priority.

“Russia has occupied 20% of our territory, and this is one of our most significant national challenges. Therefore, the peaceful restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity is our top national objective. Russia has carried out the occupation of our territories. No betrayal by Saakashvili or the United National Movement can justify, or will ever justify, the occupation committed by Russia”, the PM said.