Zurab Noghaideli: After the closure of the Ergneti market, other mechanisms for dialogue between the people could have been created – something else should have been done, this remark is fair

The basis for dialogue between Georgians and Ossetians has always existed, will always exist, and still exists, despite the fact that 2008 has already happened, former Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli said during the parliamentary temporary investigative commission, where the situation in Georgia's occupied territories from 2004 to 2008 and the August 2008 war are being discussed.

During today’s commission session, Zurab Noghaideli explained why the decision to close the Ergneti market was made at that time.

"I will start with the Ergneti market. Yes, the Ergneti market may have had some significance in bringing people together in the region, but it was a very important loophole for Georgia’s budget revenues. If we talk about the Ergneti market, I am the main person responsible for its closure. I am the one responsible for the closure of this market. I am talking about the decision made during my time as Minister of Finance because a country, a state, cannot stand in any case where there is smuggling, practically enabled and ignored by the state. This decision, like several others, was made during my first days as Minister and later, accordingly, implemented. I am completely and deeply convinced that, even now, I am convinced that this was the right decision. Moreover, I can say now that we did not lead to these actions directly until 2008," Noghaideli stated.

According to him, at the Ergneti market, Georgians and Ossetians worked together on specific issues, but "unfortunately, it was at the expense of Georgia’s budget, which was unacceptable." Noghaideli explained that instead, other mechanisms for dialogue could have been created.

"I am completely convinced that in any case, dialogue could have been conducted. The basis for dialogue between Georgians and Ossetians has always existed, will always exist, and still exists, despite the fact that 2008 has already happened. Without it, it would have been even more possible. I think the remark that something else should have been done is fair," Noghaideli added.