2017-10-17
"Today we are given the chance to bury the remains of 25 heroes with proper respect. During this whole period their families did not know where the remains of their family members were buried. 24 years ago, on September 27th they were executed and I would like to convey my condolences to the families of each of them, their relatives and whole Georgia.
The list of heroes includes then-Mayor of Sokhumi Guram Gabeskiria, who was granted the title of National Hero; it also includes the Colonel of Security Services Mamia Alasania, whose candidacy we also submitted for the Award of National Hero; candidacies of 9 of them were submitted for the first degree Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the International Red Cross Committee which actively participated in locating and transferring the remains. As of today, remains of 135 lost individuals were located with the support of the International Red Cross Committee. It is crucial to ensure that the information available in the society is submitted to this Organization, which is authorized to protect the principle of confidentiality. Georgian, as well as Abkhazian and Ossetian families should be given an opportunity to bury the remains of their family members with due respect.I would also like to thank Abkhazian side for the support provided in this process.
I have to say that this fratricidal war claimed lives of the best. Their actions will serve as a source of endurance for many more generations and I believe that their spirits will guide Georgia on the hard path of reconciliation.I am convinced that in the inevitability of Georgians, Abkhazians and Ossetians sitting together, looking in each other's eyes, saying what has to be said, reconciling and building our common house - united and strong Georgia together.- Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
Prime Minister attended the funeral at the Sameba Cathedral with the members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Prime Minister's Press Office