Grigol Liluashvili, who has been nominated the new head of Georgia’s State Security Service, says that the main challenge for Georgia is the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia.
Liluashvili, who is addressing parliament’s Defence and Security Committee, told MPs that Russia’s illegal activities at the occupation lines aim to “make influence not only on Georgia but also on the international community.”
“Recent developments at the occupation line with Tskhinvali [the opening of so-called police posts on Tbilisi administered territory and the closure of so-called borders] and the cases related to the murder of Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria, Giga Otkhozoria and Irakli Kvaratskhelia have confirmed the Russian goals.
While discussing the issues Russia and de facto authorities have raised ultimatums and demands and deliberately influenced existing formats of negotiations – the Geneva Discussions and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings”, - Liluashvili said.

According to him, the occupation of 20% of Georgian territory is an important lever for Russia in its hybrid war against Georgia.
“The lever is used by Russia to get involved in Georgia’s internal issues and attempt to spark ethnic, religious or other conflicts... Georgia, with the help of the UN, OSCE, EU and foreign allies is taking all steps to ease the current tension at the occupation line and resolve conflicts peacefully”, - said the candidate.

Liluashvili, who may replace Vakhtang Gomelauri in the role, needs to be approved by parliament.