David Kramer Stresses the Need for International Pressure on Moscow Until Georgia Regains Full Control
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, September 4, 2023
The 7th Tbilisi International Conference, themed 'Defeating Putinism', is scheduled to be hosted in Tbilisi by the McCain Institute for International Leadership, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Center for Economic Policy Research from September 4 to 5. On September 3, conference participants paid a visit to the village of Odzisi, situated in proximity to the occupation line.
Speaking from the village of Odzisi, near the occupation line, David Kramer, Managing Director for Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute and former US Assistant Secretary of State, emphasized that what lies behind him is the territory of Georgia, not Russia. He stressed that the international community should never acknowledge the seizure of Georgia's territory, as witnessed 15 years ago.
According to Kramer, their commitment remains unwavering, and they will persist in standing alongside Georgia, extending support to the Georgian people as they pursue their democratic and Western-oriented goals.
"It's great to be back in Georgia, but it's sad that I have to stand here again, at the occupation line. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Georgia and the occupation of the Tskhinvali region. Now, as I stand here, I can see the territory of Georgia behind me, not Russia. The international community should never recognize the seizure of Georgia's territory, as we witnessed 15 years ago. We have received information that the demarcation line is being drawn, and innocent citizens are being detained. My colleagues and I, who are in Georgia as part of an international conference set to begin tomorrow in Tbilisi, stand here at the occupation line to ensure that we never forget what happened here. It also serves as a reminder that beyond this occupation line lies the territory of Georgia. We will continue to stand by Georgia and support the Georgian people on their democratic and Western-oriented path," said David Kramer.
As per Kramer's remarks, Russia's aggression began in Georgia 15 years ago and subsequently extended to Ukraine, although it never ceased in Georgia. He believes that until Georgia regains control over its entire territory, the international community bears a responsibility to exert pressure on Moscow.
