We are standing at the Enguri Bridge. It was on this very day—September 27—thirty-three years ago that Russia drew a dividing line between us and Abkhazia, yet in doing so, it could not divide our memory, our history, or our country. Anyone who considers themselves a citizen of Georgia will never question the fact that Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region are Georgia! This statement was made by Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of Lelo – Strong Georgia.

According to him, we need to restore trust in Georgian-Abkhazian and Georgian-Ossetian relations; to achieve this, a "strong, prosperous Georgia with a robust economy and strong infrastructure—including the Anaklia deep-sea port"—is essential.

“We are standing at the Enguri Bridge. It was on this very day—September 27—thirty-three years ago that Russia drew a dividing line between us and Abkhazia; yet, it could not sever our shared memory, our history, or our country. Families and friends, however, were separated. This illegal and unjust occupation continues to this day. Everyone who considers themselves a citizen of Georgia will never question the fact that Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region are Georgia! We must restore Georgia’s territorial integrity, but this process cannot succeed without a strong state—a state with a European future, a robust economy, a strong international standing, and a powerful army that serves as the primary guarantor of peace. That is precisely why we need membership in the strong family of the European Union. Georgia must reclaim its European path. We must not allow the country’s further international isolation, for an isolated and weakened Georgia directly increases the risk of the full annexation of the Russian-occupied territories by Russia. Russia violated our country’s territorial integrity. The Russian occupation army stands on Georgian soil and employs every method to hinder the existence of a united, strong Georgia; yet, our country’s history bears witness to numerous defeated empires, and we are confident that Russian occupation will soon end and we will restore Georgia’s territorial integrity. We need to rebuild trust in Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian relations; to achieve this, we require a strong, prosperous Georgia—one with a robust economy and powerful infrastructure, including the Anaklia deep-sea port. Anaklia is not merely an economic gateway connecting Europe and Asia; it must become a key pillar of a strong Georgian economy and a cornerstone in the process of restoring Georgian-Abkhaz trust and developing a united, strong Georgia. A strong economy and citizen prosperity form the foundation for restored relations. Our fellow citizens living in Abkhazia must clearly see the tangible benefits, opportunities, and security that life in a united, developed, and European Georgia would bring to them and to future generations. And standing guard over this strong economy and European integration, there must undoubtedly be a strong Georgian army—one that is neither plundered nor weakened, and the primary mission of which is to defend the country and ensure peace. A strong Georgian army is a genuine guarantee of peace; it is precisely by building a strong state, returning to a European path, fostering economic development, strengthening international support, and enhancing our defense capabilities that we will create the conditions necessary for the dignified return of our displaced persons to their homes. The return of displaced persons is not merely a matter of settling a debt to the past—it is a primary concern and goal of the Georgian state. We believe that the peaceful return of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region is possible. This requires a strong Georgia—one with a robust economy, a powerful army, a European future, and a dignified place within the international community. The anniversary of the temporary fall of Sokhumi reminds us once again of what we have lost; it is our responsibility to build a state strong enough to restore our territorial integrity through peaceful means. Glory to the heroes! Glory to a united, strong Georgia!" stated Irakli Kupradze.