Abkhazia Gov’t head: Enguri Bridge will soon become symbol of Georgia’s unity

Giorgi Jinchradze, Chair of the government of Abkhazia’s autonomous republic, on Saturday paid tribute to those who died defending Georgia’s territorial integrity, laying wreaths at the Heroes’ Memorial as the country marked 32 years since the fall of Sokhumi.

“Today, on September 27, we remember one of the darkest days in Georgia’s recent history, the fall of Sokhumi. It is our duty to always remember the story of our heroes. I believe that their dream of a united Georgia will come true, and the Enguri Bridge, which today has become an artificial border, will soon become a symbol of Georgia’s unity”, he said.

“It is unimaginable to have Abkhazia without Georgia or Georgia without Abkhazia. I believe we will return to our land and, together with our Abkhaz brothers and sisters, build a better future for our homeland,” Jinchradze added.

He also laid flowers at the busts of Georgia’s national heroes Zhiuli Shartava and Geno Adamia.

The war in Abkhazia began on August 14, 1992, and lasted 13 months and 13 days. The conflict claimed the lives of about 30,000 people, and more than 300,000 were displaced from their homes.