The Georgian Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission on alleged crimes committed by the previous United National Movement government between 2003-2012 on Wednesday scrutinized the country’s military and diplomatic approach towards its Russian-occupied territories between 2004 and 2008, highlighting alleged policy failures and missed opportunities for peaceful reconciliation.
During a commission session, Chairperson Thea Tsulukiani questioned former Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze on the government’s stance and decisions under the leadership of the United National Movement.
Tsulukiani pointed to what she described as a deliberate suppression of peace initiatives and a failure to strengthen Georgia’s defense capabilities during that period.
“We know, and it is documented, that very serious mistakes – putting it mildly – were made in strengthening the military under [Defence Minister Irakli] Okruashvili,” Tsulukiani claimed. She also highlighted that “no substantial efforts” were made to develop a civil defense system, a “claim confirmed by former MP Paata Davitaia”.
The commission chair, who previously served as the country’s justice minister, further alleged that officials advocating peace initiatives were sidelined or dismissed, while Prime Ministers died under suspicious circumstances. She suggested that within the ruling party at the time, there were two competing factions – one pushing for the return of lost territories by force, and another, smaller group advocating peaceful reconciliation.
Tsulukiani referenced the 1994 agreement that banned the deployment of heavy weaponry in the Kodori Gorge, criticizing the decision to ignore such accords. She also recalled a 2005 meeting of the United National Movement where discussions with Abkhazians and Ossetians in European capitals were allegedly prohibited.
Addressing Vashadze directly, Tsulukiani posed a question: “Do you, as a former minister and deputy minister, believe that the events leading up to February 21, 2008 [prior to the Russia-Georgia armed conflict in August of that year], were a direct consequence of these policies?”
The investigative commission continues its review of Georgia’s handling of its occupied territories, the lead-up to the war, and the broader political decisions of the 2003-2012 administration. Previous testimonies have included insights from Paata Davitaia, who led the parliamentary commission in 2008, and Mikheil Kareli, a former state representative in the Shida Kartli region.
