**Georgia Marks 17 Years Since August War**
Today, Georgia commemorates the 17th anniversary of a tragic conflict that left deep scars on the nation. In response to a question about who was responsible for starting the war, Irakli Zarkua, a member of the Georgian Dream party, made a bold statement: “Saakashvili and the Russian occupier attacked Georgia.” He emphasized that Saakashvili, the former President of Georgia, played a key role in the conflict.
**The War and its Aftermath**
On August 8, 2008, fighting broke out between Georgian forces and Russian troops. The war lasted for five days, resulting in significant human losses. According to official statistics, 170 military personnel from the Ministry of Defense, 14 from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and 224 civilians lost their lives. Additionally, 2,232 people were injured or wounded, including 1,045 military personnel.
**Blame Game**
Irakli Zarkua’s statement reflects a common narrative in Georgia that former President Saakashvili was the driving force behind the conflict. The Georgian Dream party has long maintained that Saakashvili prioritized Russian interests over those of his own country. This view is shared by many Georgians, who believe that Saakashvili’s actions led to the devastating war.
**Reflection and Reconciliation**
As Georgia marks 17 years since the August war, the nation is still grappling with its aftermath. While some like Irakli Zarkua continue to assign blame, others advocate for reconciliation and a focus on building a more peaceful future. Whatever the interpretation of events, one thing is certain: the war had a profound impact on Georgia and its people.
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