15 August 2009, 03:00
Georgia and Abkhazia mark the date of regional conflict
On August 14, Abkhazia marked the 17th anniversary of the start of the 1992-1993 Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, know in this republic as the Patriotic War of Abkhazian nation. Georgia also marks every anniversary of the start of this conflict.
From early morning people with flowers went to the Memorial of Glory in central Sukhumi, where defenders of Abkhazia are buried. Wreaths and natural flowers were laid by the president, members of the government, deputies of the parliament, militaries, students, representatives of the public, and children.
In the context of the 17th anniversary of the start of the conflict in Abkhazia, a similar wreath-laying ceremony took place in Tbilisi, in the Square of Heroes, at the Memorial of the victims in the struggle for territorial integrity of Georgia.
Over 12,000 persons took part in the warfare from Abkhazia. According to the republic's Ministry of Defence, over 2700 persons were lost and more than 5000 were wounded. Over 200 persons are still considered as missing. Georgia lost about 15,000 persons, and more than 250,000 became refugees.
Author: Anzhela Kuchuberia Source: CK correspondent
