Kaladze: Our Heroes’ Sacrifice Was Not in Vain Occupation Is Temporary, the Homeland Is Eternal

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze on Sunday paid tribute to those killed defending Georgia’s territorial integrity as the country marked the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sukhumi.

Kaladze laid a wreath at the memorial to the fallen alongside Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

The mayor said the authorities had a responsibility to build a strong, peaceful and united country where return would be dignified and desirable for all.

“September 27 is one of the most painful dates in our country’s history. Glory and honour to the Georgian heroes who gave their lives fighting for their homeland’s independence, and to the civilians who lost their lives in the war,” Kaladze said.

“Thirty-three years have passed since the day Georgia lost not only a city, but part of its heart. Time has not eased the pain left by the war the lives lost, hundreds of thousands of displaced people, the loss of historic lands and, above all, the enduring desire to return home.

“I believe our heroes’ struggle was not in vain. Occupation is temporary, but the homeland is eternal. Abkhazia was, is and will remain Georgia,” he added.