2018-03-27
.jpg)
Two days ago, we laid to rest the body of Archil Tatunashvili, a valiant Georgian lad posthumously awarded the Order of Honor because the enemies could not defile his honor. I believe that, as time goes by, everyone will see clearer what a great hero Archil Tatunashvili is. Importantly, those who tortured this Georgian brave man are enemies of Georgia-Ossetia reconciliation and the unification of Georgia. This is why, however hard it may be to say it today, to pronounce these words filled with pain, I state that the Georgia state will continue its consistent reconciliation policy. I urge Ketevan Tsikhelashvili to discuss without further ado the package of steps prepared by her. I urge the Parliament to continue the steps we were taking prior to this tragic incident. On the other hand, our state will of course take an unwavering stance in relation to those responsible for this crime, and will take legal steps, including internationally, to see to it that the perpetrators are punished.
As for Russia, of course, Russia can in no way avoid responsibility for what happened, and this responsibility is reflected in international resolutions, including the numerous resolutions by the Council of Europe, which have been adopted thanks to the efforts of our diplomatic corps, and which clearly state that the country controlling in fact the occupied territories is responsible for the human rights violations therein. Of course, what happened is a murder, and it is a great tragedy, but there are particular individuals responsible for it.
This calamity must make us stronger. Of course, Archil's family, his parents who raised a hero, must be paid significant attention, and our state must continue the principled, consistent, and gradual process of Georgia-Ossetia and Georgia-Abkhazia reconciliation, and of the unification of our country. None of us doubts that it will happen, and it is the duty of our generation to accomplish it as soon as possible.