We are beginning to collect signatures to launch a prosecution inquiry into the 2008 war and to establish a parliamentary fact-finding commission on this issue. We will visit all regions to gather signatures and educate the populace about the potential effects of a new conflict as well as the significance of the findings of the 2008 war investigation, Fridon Injia, the Chairman of the parliamentary political group European Socialists, said at today’s briefing.

He asserts that the public, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased, are interested in knowing the truth about what and how happened, which led to the territories being lost.

“The Tagliavini Commission made an evaluation of the war. Later, the resolution of the European Council, which was also backed by the United National Movement, reflected the timeline of when the war first broke out. When she ran for president of Georgia, the incumbent President made clear her views on the subject of war. However, Georgian society is still unsure of exactly what transpired in August 2008, including why we lost 20% of our territory, whether or not this significant loss to the nation could have been prevented, what advice or indications our international partners provided to Saakashvili’s government, who and what role played in the adoption of the tripartite ceasefire agreement, and why more than 1000 Georgian soldiers left the Kodori gorge.

What value of military equipment was written off after the war and whether this equipment was there at all and where it was located. From the side of Georgia, apart from the authorized persons, who participated in making decisions and many other issues that are still discussed in the society.

We have been arguing for a long time that each of these concerns requires a full investigation. Both through the prosecutor’s office and within the structure of a parliamentary fact-finding panel, investigations may be launched. It should not be tolerated if 20% of Georgia’s territories are lost or transferred!”, - Fridon Injia declared.

The MP says that this issue is more important now since government representatives are openly discussing the risks of establishing a second front in Georgia and that everything should be done to ensure that what occurred in August 2008 never occurs in Georgia again.

A thorough study into the 2008 war, according to Fridon Injia, “will make a substantial contribution to the prevention of a new war”.