Saakashvili: Russians Moved into Georgia Early on August 7

President Saakashvili told the NATO North Atlantic Council that Georgia was not the initiator of the recent war and Tbilisi had evidence to prove it.

In his opening remarks to the first-ever NAC session in Tbilisi on September 15, Saakashvili said that this aggression against Georgia was planned “years and months ago.”

“Georgia was invaded by Russian forces during the early morning hours of August 7th and this is the fact, which even the Russian Federation no longer disputes,” Saakashvili said.

He said that it was “an unprovoked offensive” against Georgia.

Saakashvili also said that the Russian goal was to topple Georgia’s democratically elected government and to hinder the country’s integration into the west. He added that Russia was now trying to legalize the results of ethnic cleansing. Saakashvili also said that despite overwhelming force, Georgia had managed to withstand the aggression.

Saakashvili said that he was looking forward to discussions at the session on how to ensure full implementation of the six-point ceasefire agreement.

He underlined that the visit by NAC to Georgia was a significant signal to the world, demonstrating that already firm and strong relations between Georgia and NATO would further be strengthened.

He welcomed the establishment of the NATO-Georgia Commission and said it would “enhance and accelerate our cooperation.”

In his opening remarks at the NAC session, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer reiterated the NATO position, saying that Russia used “disproportionate force” against Georgia.

He also said Russia should fully comply with the six-point plan, which was supported by NATO.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)