August 8 is a tragic date - it was a betrayal committed by the then government. This day reminds us that it is necessary for the country to be governed by a sovereign government, - Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said while talking to journalists at the Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery.

According to him, the Georgian Dream will defend the country's independence to the end so that "such crimes are not repeated."

"We honor the memory of those who died in the 2008 war. More than 400 people died in the August War, including our heroic military and soldiers who defended the dignity of our homeland. Naturally, it is our duty every year and constantly to honor the memory of each of them, our heroes. As for the August War in general, August 8 is a tragic date - it was a betrayal committed by the then government. This day reminds us that it is necessary for the country to be governed by a sovereign government. A government that acts according to the dictates of its own national interests, and not according to the dictates of external forces. We will defend the independence of our country to the end so that such crimes are not repeated and peace is preserved in our country and the interests of our country are protected," - stated Irakli Kobakhidze.

17 years have passed since the August War. In the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, 170 employees of the Georgian Ministry of Defense, 14 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and 224 civilians were killed. The total number of wounded and injured civilians and military personnel is 2,232, including 1,045 military personnel.