President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania visited the South Ossetian Embassy in Sukhum on Saturday and honored the memory of those killed during the Georgian aggression in August 2008, the press service of the President of the Republic reports.
"Today we are marking a tragic date in the history of the brotherly people of South Ossetia. 12 years ago, on August 8, 2008, under cover of night, Georgian troops invaded the sleeping peaceful Tskhinval. Innocent people died, including children, women and old people." - said the head of Abkhazia.
Aslan Bzhania noted the heroism of the defenders of South Ossetia. “On this day, we bow our heads to the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of their native land, their feat will serve future generations as an example of loyalty to the Fatherland. Eternal memory to the warriors - liberators,” said the Head of State.
As noted by the President, August 8, 2008 is a tragic date and at the same time heroic. “This day symbolizes the courage and bravery of the defenders of the Motherland. The sons of South Ossetia did not flinch, showing miracles of heroism and courage, they gave a tough rebuff to the enemy, defended their people, their Fatherland,” said President of Abkhazia.
According to Bzhania, “the events of August 2008 once again demonstrated to the whole world that Great Russia does not leave its friends in trouble. “Thanks to the decisive and timely actions of the Russian leadership, the troops of the aggressor were defeated,” Bzhania said.
The head of state viewed the photo exhibition dedicated to the tragic events of August 2008, and also left a note in the memory book.
Aslan Bzhania, Vice President Badra Gunba, members of the government observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the August 2008 tragedy.
Oleg Botsiev, Ambassador of the Republic of South Ossetia to Abkhazia, thanked the President of Abkhazia and the Russian Embassy for their support. “In August 2008, a tragedy occurred that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and Russian peacekeepers who selflessly fulfilled their duty in South Ossetia,” he said.
“The date of August 8, 2008 for South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom, courage and mutual assistance,” said Maxim Litvinov, Adviser to the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Abkhazia.
