"The Georgians are very warlike and strong people and have numerous knights and warriors... In spite of existing in a totally hostile environment of infidels, they remain fearless. On the contrary - others are afraid of them and do not easily risk to offend them in any way. They are called Georgians, according to the name of the Holy Knight, St. George, whose name they esteem and respect immensely, particularly prior to the battles they are going to join..." (Bernhard von Breidenbach, XV century German author) [22].
The Georgians are one of the most ancient peoples of the world. In a discovery with profound implications for the study of early human history, paleoanthropologists and archaeologists digging in Dmanisi district (Kvemo Kartli region of Eastern Georgia) have found 1.7 - 1.8 million-years old fossil human skulls (Homo Georgicus) that show clear sings of African ancestry and so may represent the species that first migrated out of Africa. Being close to the boundary between Europe and Asia, Georgia might have been a crossroads of dispersal to the west in Europe as well as to southern and eastern Asia. For the scientific activity in this field Professor David Lordkipanidze (Director of the Janashia State National Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi) received the 2004 Rolex Award for Enterprise [Link 1].
In the 1970's the archaeological excavations on the territory of Eastern Georgia revealed a number of ancient settlements of the 5th millennium B.C. which included houses with galleries. These dwellings were circular or oval in plan, a characteristic feature of which was the central pier and chimney. These features were completely used and further developed in building Georgian dwellings and houses of the "Darbazi" type.
Ancient Georgian tribes of Tubal (Tabal) and Meshekh (Mosokh/Meskh) (4th-3rd millennias B.C.) were founders of metallurgy. At the end of the 2nd - begining of the 1st millennium B.C. in the south-eastern region of historical Georgia two major tribal unions arose; that of the Diaokhi (Tao) and the Kolkha, both continuing to the 8th cent. B.C.
In the 6th - 4th cent. B.C. the Georgian Kingdoms of Iberia (Eastern Georgia) and Egrisi (Western Georgia) played a very significant role in the economic, cultural and political life of the ancient world. In the 4th cent. B.C. the Kingdom of Egrisi came under the influence of the Kingdom of Iberia (Kartli). This contributed for formation of a single Georgian state.
The oldest form of the Georgian alphabet "Asomtavruli" was invented in 412 B.C. by Georgian priests of the cult of Matra (Mitra/Mitras). The reformator of "Asomtavruli" in 284 B.C. was the King of Iberia Parnavaz I, the founder of the Georgian Royal dynasty of Parnavazians [15].
The Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church was established in the 1st century by the Apostle Andrew. In 317 Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia [Link 2]. In the 5th century the Patriarchate of Antiokh granted self-governance (Autocephaly) to the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church.
In the 6th century the Georgian feudal family of Bagrationi appeared in the political area from Speri (Ispiri. Now territory of Turkey), the historical province of Georgia. The 1st representative of this family was Guaram I Kurapalate, the 1st Erismtavari (Grand Duke) of Kartli in 575-590. The Royal Dynasty of Bagrationi reigned in Georgia in 809-1810. The founder of the Royal dynasty was Ashot I Kurapalate, a King of Tao-Klarjeti in 809-826 [Link 3].
In 978-1466 Bagrationi's were rulers of the United Georgian Kingdom. The 1st Bagrationi King of the United Kingdom was Bagrat III (978-1014). The XI-XIV centuries are named the Gold Age of Georgia. Then it was an one of mighty states of Asia Minor. The greatest King of the United Georgian Kingdom was David IV Agmashenebeli (David IV the Builder. 1089-1125) [Link 4].
On the 24th July, 1783, in Georgievsk (this is the name-to-be of the town, now territory of Russia), in the remote area of Caucasus the notorious "Georgievsk treaty" was signed according to which the Kingdom of Kartl-Kakheti (Eastern Georgia) entered under Russia's protectorate. A famous French specialist on International Law, Member of the French Academy of Sciences, Professor of Sorbonne Louis le Four, analising the treaty pointed in 1932 that this was a treaty on limited protectorate between subjects of International Law or-what is equivalent - between sovereign subjects of International Law. Le Four stated flatly that in case of one party breaking some issues in the treaty the other party was legally authorised (competent) to annul the treaty [18].
In 1801 the Kartli-Kakhetian Kingdom and in 1810 the Kingdom of Imereti (Western Georgia) were abolished and annexed by tsarist Russian empire. In 1811 the Emperor's Court of Russia have unlawfully abolished the Autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church. in 1810-1864 the Russia administration abolished the Kingdom of Imereti (1810) and the Georgian Principalities of Guria (1829), Samegrelo (1857), Svaneti (1858) and Abkhazeti (1864).
After occupation and annexation of Kartl-Kakhetian and Imeretian Kingdoms the regnant families were moved to Russia. The last King of Imereti Solomon II was forced to go to Turkey (to Trapezund). He was dead in 1815 (in 2005 he was beatified by the Georgian Orthodox Church). Bagrationi's leaved Georgia in 1921 also (after the occupation of the Democratic Republic of Georgia by the red army of Bolshevik Russia).
Now the representatives of the Home of Bagrationi live in the various countries of Europe and in the USA. Their families had escaped from Bolsheviks terror. One of them was Prince Irakli G. Bagrationi (1909-1977). His first wife was the daughter of Italian Count Paskuini Mary-Antoinette (d. in 1944) and the second - the representative of the Spanish Regnant Home Mary-Mersedes (d. in 1961). The different Monarchic Homes of Europe in 1940s acknowledged exactly Irakli Bagrationi as a Head of the Regnal Home of Georgian Baghrationi's in exile. This acknowledgement was signed also by the Head of the Russian Romanoff's Emperor Home in exile, Vladimir Kirillovich, the husband of Leonida Bagrationi (Irakli Bagrationi's sister). Today it is believed that official Head of Bagrationi's Home in exile is the oldest son of Irakli Bagrationi - Giorgi (Jorge) Gagrationi (lives in Spain).
A famous representative of the Georgian political emigration Jan (Vano) Nanuashvili wrote: "The first effective co-operation between Georgia and Russia was achieved during the time of Peter the Great. In 1720, Russia entered into a pact aimed at Persia, whose sovereignty extended over Eastern Georgia (Kingdom of Kartl-Kakheti - L.U.). In 1722-1723, Russia and Georgia waged a war against Persia; then Russia made a separate peace and left Georgia at the mercy of the enemy. Had it not been for the tragic situation of Georgia, this would have ended all efforts at cooperation with Russia. Peter the Great did exactly the same thing with Montenegro in 1711 during the expedition of Prut. This maneuver of Peter the Great was repeated by Catherine II, with greater refinement but with worse results, during the Russo-Turkish war of 1768-1774. Russia made a pact with Georgia (Kartl-Kakheti - L.U.) and sent a small army detachment under the leadership of General Todleben. On the eve of the battle and in face of the enemy, General Todleben left the Georgian camp. The assignment of the Russian commander could not be dissimulated and was later substantiated by documents. His aim was to destroy the Georgian army with Turkish forces, and then to occupy a helpless Georgia himself. This is a favorite Russian political maneuver. It was used a second time against Georgia in 1795, and for the third time against Poland in 1945 during the Warsaw uprising of World War II" [10].
The leaders of the Georgian National-Liberation movement of the XIX century (Alexander Bagrationi, Dimitri Kipiani, Solomon Dodashvili, Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Alexander Kazbegi, Iakob Gogebashvili and others) devoted much effort to the defence of the Rights of the Georgian nation (people), of the Georgian language, traditions and culture. The greatest representative of the National-Liberation Movement of Georgia in 1860-1907 was a great Georgian writer and public benefactor Ilia G. Chavchavadze (1837-1907) [Link 5].
In 1901 by Giorgi Dekanozishvili, Archil Jorjadze, Giorgi Laskhishvili, Tedo Sakhokia, Andro Dekanozishvili and other famous representatives of the National-Liberation movement was founded the Party of Georgian Social-Federalists [2].
In August, 1907 by Georgian social-democrats (bolsheviks and mensheviks) was killed the leader of the National-Liberation Movement, Prince Ilia Chavchavadze. It was a great tragedy for Georgia.
In 1908 in Istanbul was founded the "Committee of Independence of Georgia" (founders: Mikheil Tsereteli, Petre Surguladze and other representatives of the National-Liberation Movement of Georgia). Mikheil (Mikhako) Tsereteli, Petre Surguladze, Valerian Gunia and others were founders of the underground group of independence of Georgia and the newspaper "Eri" ("The Nation") in Tbilisi. In 1910 the "Committee of Independence of Georgia" was replaced in Geneve and was founded the newspaper "Tavisupali Sakartvelo" ("Free Georgia"). Founders of this newspaper were Petre Surguladze, Leo Kereselidze and Giorgi Kereselidze. In 1914, in Germany, was founded the united Committee of Independence of Georgia (founders: Mikheil Tsereteli, Giorgi Machabeli, Leo Kereselidze, Giorgi Kereselidze and others).
In 1904, in Istanbul was founded the "Committee of Independence of Georgia" (founders of the Committee were Petre Surguladze, Leo Kereselidze, Giorgi Kereselidze, Andro Dakanozishvili, Mikheil Tsereteli and others). In 1910 this organization was liquidated. The Committee was restored in 1914 (in Switzerland) and worked before the 1918 [3, 4, 16].
In 1917 by Kote Abkhazi, Spiridon Kedia, Iason Javakhishvili, Vasil Tsereteli, Giorgi Gvazava, Parten Gotua, Ekvtime Takaishvili, Ioseb Dadiani and other Georgian patriots was founded the National-Democratic Party of Georgia (Author of the Program of this pafrty was Ilia Chavchavadze) [1, 17].
In March, 1917, the Georgian Hierarchs have restored Autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church [Link 2].
On May 26, 1918, the Indepenence of Georgia was proclaimed by the "National Council of Georgia" consisting of 80 representatives of all the Georgian political parties and organizations [Link 6].
The independence of the Georgian state was recognized by 27 countries (Romania, Argentina, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, etc.).
The Democratic Republic of Georgia was ruled by the Government (Chairman: Noe Zhordania (leader of the Social-Democratic (Menshevik) Party of Georgia) and the National Parliament - Dampudznebeli Kreba. Chairman of the Parliament was Karlo Chkheidze (Social-Democrat); Deputies: Professor Ekvtime Takaishvili (One of the leaders of the National-Democratic Party of Georgia) and Alexandre Lomtatidze (Social-Democrat). It was an established multiparty system: among the members of the Government and the Dampudznebeli Kreba were also representatives of the National-Democratic Party (Chairman: General Kote Abkhazi; Honorary Chairman: Niko Nikoladze), the Party of Social-Federalists (Chairman: Simon Mdivani) and other political organizations.
On February 21, 1921 the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Georgia was adopted by the Parliament.
On May, 7, 1920, the Georgian Government signed a treaty with Russia. This treaty was violated by Russia on February 25, 1921, when the Red Army occupied and sovietized Georgia [8, 9]. The practically annexed Georgia "joined" USSR (1922), continuing as the Georgian SSR till 1990.
As far as the "rebellion" inspired by Bolsheviks themselves is concerned Lenin pointed out on February 28, 1921, in the session of the Moscow Soviet (Council): "We know the rebellion started in the neutral zone between Georgia and Armenia and there participated the Armenian and Russian units". In the secret report of the Chair of the Revkom (Revolutionary Committee) of Georgia Filipe Makharadze to the Central Committee of the Russian Bolshevik Party on December 6, 1921, wrote: "The appearance of the march of Red Army in Georgia and declaration of Soviet power were similar of the outer conquest because no one inside thought about the rebellion in that time" [13].
Great enemies for Georgia were Georgian bolsheviks Iosif Stalin, Sergo Orjonikidze, Filipe Makharadze and others. "Stalin-Dzugaszwili, destined to be a Georgian priest, could in no way have affected mankind in a negative sense, had he lived in a free Georgia; but he was brought up in the seething moral atmosphere of the immemorial, stubborn, and primitive invader. The bloody orgy of unending struggle brutally abrogated his nation's natural right to its own life. The psychological state of the young Stalin is illustrated by his first pseudonym, Koba, the name of one of the heroes of his nation's relentless struggle against the invader. When, by chance, this same Stalin found himself at the head of Russian imperialism, he marked his place in history with the same bloody orgy and devastation that had debarred his nation from a normal life." - wrote Jan (Vano) Nanuashvili [10].
In the Ministry of Defence and the National Army of the Democratic Republic of Georgia worked many outstanding Georgian Generals and Officers: General Kote Abkhazi, General Giorgi Kvinitadze, General Varden Tsulukidze, General Nestor Gardapkhadze, General Shakro Bakradze, General Alexandre Chkheidze, General Giorgi Mazniashvili, Colonel Kakutsa Cholokashvili, Colonel Solomon Zaldastanishvili, Colonel Elizbar Gulisashvili, Colonel David Vachnadze, Colonel Rostom Muskhelishvili, Colonel Erekle Tsereteli, Colonel Dimitri Chrdileli and others. But, unfortunately, the National Army of Georgia has not a proper favour of the Menshevik Government of Noe Zhordania. Main role was given to the troops of Georgian Mensheviks - the so-called People's Guards (Commander: former Bolshevik Valiko Jugeli). The commanders of this military group was completed by the diletantes [19, 20, 21].
In 1921-1925 the members of the Government and the "Dampudznebeli Kreba" (Parliament) of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and many outstanding public benefactors forced to leave Georgia.
In 1921-1924 leaders of the National-Liberation movement of Georgia were: General Kote Abkhazi, Colonel Kakutsa Cholokashvili, General Nestor Gardapkhadze, General Alexander Andronikashvili, General Varden Tsulukidze, Iason Javakhishvili, General Rostom Muskhelishvili, General Spiridon Chavchavadze, Colonel Solomon Zaldastanishvili, Kote Andronikashvili, Gogita Pagava, Rotmister Simon (Simonika) Bagration-Mukhraneli, Mikheil Lashkarashvili and others.
In 1924 by Georgian emigres was founded a National-Political organization "Tetri Giorgi" (Tetri Giorgi (White George) is one of the names of St. George, in the eastern mountainous part of Georgia. Many ethnographers claim the name to be a successor of a pagan moon deity and popular mythological warrior Giorgi later identified with St. George, patron Saint of Georgia). Founders and main leaders of "Tetri Giorgi" were Prof. Mikheil (Mikhako) Tsereteli, Gen. Leo Keresselidze, Gen. Shalva Maglakelidze, Dr. Alexandre Manvelishvili, Prof. Viktor Nozadze, Prof. Shalva Beridze, Prof. Kalistrate Salia and other famous representatives of the Georgian political emigration. Liberation of Georgia from the Soviet occupation was a main goal of this organization. During World War II the organization collaborated with the Wehrmacht. In 1926, in Tbilisi was founded the 1st underground group of "Tetri Giorgi". In August, 1937 by the Soviet KGB were arrested the leader of this group, lawyer and public figure Evgen (Geno) Gvaladze (1900-1937) and all other members [Link 10].
In 1941-1942 a part of the Georgian men of the Soviet Army (more than 30,000 Georgians) either were taken prisoner or yield themselves prisoner to the Germans that by this way fought for Georgia's liberation from the Soviet Empire. They served in the specially created in Wehrmacht of the Third Reich Georgian Legion under the command of General Shalva Maglakelidze. In 1940, in Germany was founded the "Georgian National Committee" (Chairman - Professor Mikheil Tsereteli) [11, 14].
The Outstanding representatives of the Georgian Political Emigration (in France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, England, Spain, the USA, Canada, etc.) were: Varlam Cherkezishvili (Tcherkesoff), Akaki Khoshtaria, Prof. Ekvtime Takaishvili, Prof. Michael (Mikhako) von Tsereteli, Prof. Zurab Avalishvili, Prof. Alexander Nikuradze (A. Sanders), Prof. Johan (Ivane) Nikuradze, Prof. Shalva Vardidze, Prof. Grigol Peradze, Dr. Archil Metreveli, Prof. Kirile Vekua, Prof. Severian Buadze, Prof. Alexander Kartveli (Kartvelishvili), Prof. Viktor Nozadze, Giorgi Nozadze, Dr. Schalwa Tschotschia, Dr. Vladimer (Lado) Akhmeteli, Prof. Michael Akhmeteli, Dr. Archil Khachidze, Shalva Amirejibi, Prof. Shalva Beridze, Prof. Kalistrate Salia, Prof. Giorgi Nakashidze, Prof. Pavle Kvaratskhelia, Prof. George Nakashidze, Dr. Niko Nakashidze, George Javakhishvili, Dr. Vakhtang Gambashidze, Vakhtang Tsitsishvili, Zurab Tsitsishvili, Svimon Tsitsishvili, Mose Shanidze, Dr. Mikheil Kaukhchishvili, Andro Dekanozishvili, Giorgi Dekanozishvili, Col. Dimitri Shalikashvili, Giorgi Kipiani, Prof. Ilia Melia, H.R.H. Prince Irakli Bagrationi de Moukhrani, Prof. Kita Chkhenkeli, Prof. Michel Mouskheli (Muskhelishvili), Dr. Grigol Robakidze, Dr. Niko Abkhazi, Vasil (Vaso) Dumbadze, Dr. Andro Gugushvili, Ivane Zurabishvili, Levan Zurabishvili, Giorgi Machabeli (Prince Matchabelli), Dr. Petre Surguladze, Prof. Marc (Markoz) Tugushi (Marc Iber), Merab Jorjadze, Dr. Akaki Papava, Dr. Raphiel Ivanitski-Ingilo, Konstantine Kandelaki, Vlasa Mgeladze, Dr. Giorgi Gvazava, Dr. Giorgi Magalashvili (Magalow), Nikita Magaloff (Magalashvili), Dr. Mikheil Alshibaia, Alexander Asatiani, Elise Pataridze, Spiridon Kedia, Meki Kedia, Mikheil Kedia, Ioseb Eligulashvili, Svimon Mdivani, Archil Gourieli, Shota Sarjveladze, Pavle Sarjveladze, Ivane Nanuashvili, Dr. Alexandre Manvelishvili, Isidore Mantskava, Dr. Alexandre Shatirishvili, Giorgi Keresselidze, Mariam Keresselidze, Elene Tsitsishvili, Irakli Lordkipanidze, Irakli Orbeliani, David Kharischirashvili, Avtandil Urushadze, Niko Urushadze, Severian Urushadze, Zurab Abashidze, Irakli Othkmezuri, Eduard (Giorgi) Papava, Simon (Simoniko) Berezhiani, Gen. Leo Keresselidze, Mate Kereselidze, Gen. Giorgi Kvinitadze, Simon Mdivani, Gen. Zakaria (Shakro) Bakradze, Leo Dumbadze, Gen. Alexander Koniashvili, Gen. Ivane Japaridze, Gen. Giorgi Andguladze, Gen. Shalva Maglakelidze, Gen. Kirile Kutateladze, Gen. Alexander Chkheidze, Gen. Spiridon Chavchavadze, Gen. Kazbegi, Col. Svimon Tsereteli, Col. Kaikhosro (Kakutsa) Cholokashvili, Col. Alexandre Kargareteli, Col. Dimitri Amilakhvari, Col. Giorgi Odishelidze, Col. David Vachnadze, Col. Simon (Siko) Eristavi, Col. Solomon Zaldastanishvili, Col. Merab Kvitashvili, Col. Pridon Tsulukidze, Col. Mikheil Kvaliashvili, Gaioz (Gay) Maglakelidze, Sergo Kurulishvili, Dr. Giorgi Chachiashvili ("Doctor Schatz"), Levan Sagaradze, Alexandre Tsomaia, Giorgi Papashvily, Giorgi Papuashvili (Sandro Neblo), Dr. Ilia Kuchukhidze (Mindia Lashauri), Dr. Givi Gabliani, Giorgi Tsereteli, Dr. Karlo Inassaridze, Dr. Givi Kobakhidze, Alexandre Moralishvili, etc.
On the October 28, 1990, an absolute majority of Georgia's population supported the national political parties and organizations of the Electoral Bloc "Mrgvali Magida - Tavisupali Sakartvelo" ("Round Table - Free Georgia") and its acknowledge leader Dr. Zviad K. Gamsakhurdia (1939-1993), and at the 1st Session of the Supreme Council (the National Multiparty Parliament), in November, 1990 he was unannimously elected as a Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia.
After nationwide Referendum of Georgia about the restoration of the State Independence of Georgia (March 31, 1991), on April 9, 1991, the Republic of Georgia was declare with the Act of Restoration of Georgian State Independence as a Independent country.
In March, 1991 the Supreme Council elected Dr. Zviad Gamsakhurdia President of Georgia, which was confirmed by the nationwide Presidential Elections held on May 26, 1991.
On December 22, 1991, the military coup d'etat started in Tbilisi (capital of Georgia) against the legal authorities of Georgia. Since it became evident, that the putchists supplied by Russian military wouldn't be easily defeated and in order to avoid the further bloodshed the President, Supreme Council and Government members left the Parliament House on January 6, 1992. President Gamsakhurdia managed to escape with his family and members of the legal Government of the Republic of Georgia first to Armenia and later to the Chechen Republic Ichkeria.
Due to the strong public resistance to dictator E. Shevardnadze's criminal regime the first democratically elected President of Georgia was able to return to his country in September 24, 1993. The legal Government and Supreme Council renewed their activity in Zugdidi (Western Georgia) gaining tremendous public support. The Shevardnadze's regime, doomed to failure was backed by Russia and United Nations. In November, 1993, the Russian troops occupied the Western Georgia. President Zviad Gamsakhurdia had to leave Zugdidi, since when he was haunted by junta. On December 31, 1993 Zviad Gamsakhurdia died in Tsalenjikha-region (Western Georgia) under tragic circumstances.
Human Rights and Basic Freedoms were systematically and roughly violated after coup d'etet. There are more than 40 political prisoners in the country. The OSCE and the Council of Europe were forced to acknowledge that the Parliamentary Elections 1999, the Presidential Elections 2000, and the Local Elections 2002 passed with the total violation.
The 12 years govern of Shevardnadze's regime resulted in the violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia. It caused the exile of more than 300 000 refugees from Abkhazia and so-called "South Ossetia" (Shida Kartli). More than 90% of the population lives under the living wage. The industry development level achieved only 10% of 1991 year's level.
The Georgian Nation (people) never reconcile to violant abolition of its statehood and Russian domination. Actually during 116 years of domination of the Tsarist Russia (1801-1917) never ceased the National-liberation movement. The risings against Russian domination in Georgia took place in 1802, 1804, 1810, 1811-1813, 1819-1820, 1821, 1824, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1838-1840, 1850, 1856-1857, 1858, 1861-1863, 1866, 1876-1878, 1905-1906, 1907 years [6, 8, 13].
From May, 1918 till February 25, 1921, before the 2nd occupation and annexation by the 11th army of Bolshevik Russia, Georgia was the Independent State.
After this date till October, 1990, the National-liberation movement permanently proceeded in spite of the cruel repression of the representatives of the movement and the nationally inclinated foremost Georgian intellectuals. In the mentioned period there were risings against the Soviet empire of evil in 1922, 1924, 1942, 1956 years. In 1987-1989 Dr. Zviad K. Gamsakhurdia (1939-1993) and Merab I. Kostava (1939-1989) were at the head of the peaceful nation-wide disobedience. On April 9, 1989, the Russian landing formation committed an outrage of the peaceful action of protest in Tbilisi (it were killed 20 participants of the action, handreds of them were crippled and poisoned with poison gas). As the answer on it followed a new strong wave of a disobedience. All that finished with a great victory of the national-political forces of the Bloc "Round Table - Free Georgia" in the first (in the whole Soviet empire) democratic, multiparty Parliamentary Elections on October 28, 1990, at the head of Dr. Gamsakhurdia [Link 7].
So far as the policy of the first President of Georgia, Dr. Zviad Gamsakhurdia and his legal authority was directed to the creation of the strong, National State, founded on the traditional values, he soon after was opposed both the post-soviet Russian neo-empireal forces and the supporters of a globalistic policy of the contemporary world. President Gamsakhurdia categorically refused to sign a so-called "New Union Treaty" and to agree with a globalistic policy. Mentioned above the military-criminal coup d'etat in December-January, 1991-1992, was the answer for it.
In March, 1992 - November, 2003 the Republic of Georgia was ruled by the dictatorial regime of E. Shevardnadze, former KGB General and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the former Soviet empire, main organizer of the military coup d'etat of December-January, 1991-1992.
In October, 2001 young Georgian jurist and politician, former Minister of Justice of Georgia, Dr. Mikheil N. Saakashvili (b. in 1967) formed and became the leader of the opposition political party "United National Movement" (UNM).
In June, 2002 UNM won the local elections and since Dr. Saakashvili has been elected as the Chairman of the Assembly ("Sakrebulo") of the capital City of Tbilisi.
Since November 9, 2003 against the total falsification of the results of the Parliamentary Elections of November 2, 2003, started the powerful and peaceful protest actions headed by the election block "Saakashvili-National Movement".
On November 14, 2003, in Tbilisi, at the building of the Georgian Parliament was held multythousand peaceful action of the opposition. Mr. Saakashvili called on the start a large scale nonviolent and peaceful civil disobedience on the whole territory of the Republic of Georgia. Main goal of this peaceful resistance movement was resignation of President E. Shevardnadze and his regime.
"Georgia's Rose Revolution" on November 20-23, 2003 was result of the civil disobedience. On November 22-23, in Tbilisi, at the building of the Parliament was held peaceful protest action with 100,000 participants both from Tbilisi and all other parts of Georgia. Dr. Saakashvili was main organizer of this very important action. On November 23, 2003 E. Shevardnadze was forced to resignate from the post [Link 8].
On January 4, 2004 Dr. Saakashvili won a pre-term Presidential Elections in Georgia with more than 96% of the votes. He was inaugurated on January 25, 2004 [Link 8].
On August 7, 2008, the Russian occupation army attacked Georgia under the false flag of "defence the rights of citizens of Russia" in Tskhinvali Region (so-called "South Ossetia"). During 3 days about 80,000 occupants and about 3,000 units of armoured forces bursted into territory of the Sovereign Georgian State, and it proofs the special prolonged preparation of the aggression. Except the Tskhinvali Region the Russian army bursted into also from Abkhazia. The main aim of the Russian military aggression was Georgia's occupation-annexation for the 3rd time and to banish President Saakashvili's democratic, west-oriented government. It follows from the fact that Russians occupyed and destroyed the towns and willages both in the West and East Georgia which are far from the conflict zones (Gori, Kaspi, Zugdidi, Senaki, Khobi, Poti, etc.). The Russian aircrafts have bombed even the suburbs of the capital Tbilisi.
The Georgian national army offered a strong resistance: more than 20 Russian aircrafts which bombed all territory of Georgia were brought down, more than 100 tanks were destroyed, there were serious losses also in the Russian manpower (about 2,500 occupants) and materiels.
In consequence of the Russian aggression were killed 370 Georgian soldiers and citizens, and about 2,000 were wounded. There were destroyed the towns Gori, Kaspi, Poti, Senaki and Zugdidi. The incendiary bombs, threw down by Russian aircrafts destroyed about 1,100 hectares of the huge tracts of uncommon mountainous forest, in that number Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park with unique flora and fauna.
During the whole history of the Russian-Georgian relations Russia always used boundless lie and slander against Georgia. Also now on the confirmation of the Russia's Bolshevist manner thinking rulers, small Georgia turned out to be the "agressor" and attacked the Russian bear. Moreover, V. Putin's "logic" is stupefying: allegedly Abkhazia and so-called "South Ossetia", which as if earlier never were in a body of Georgia, were joined to the former "Georgian SSR" by Stalin. Therefore, by Putin's words, the leaders of the USA and the European states, which defend the Georgia's interests, are neo-Stalinists!..
Here it is worthy to mention that in town Gori, which the Russian occupants razed to the ground, there are untouched the monument and the Home-museum of J. Stalin, who was one of the main authors of Georgia's occupation-annexation by the Bolshevik Russia in 1921 and the head of bloody repressions in 1920-1930s...
Within the limits of the UN's General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia S. Lavrov on September 25, 2008, on the meeting with some distinguished representatives of the political circles of the USA anew made a very provocative declaration allegedly the west countries don't acquaint with the "history of Georgia" and Abkhazia and so-called "South Ossetia" never were the parts of Georgia, that Stalin joint them to Georgia and the united Ossetia only after divided on two parts - North (formed a part of Russia) and South (formed a part of Georgia).
Really Mr. Lavrov of course knows the truth very well. The whole point is that he, as the Minister of a huge country, trys to mislead the west countries and the USA with such provocative declaration.
Therefore we consider that it is necessary to elucidate in brief what is the true history of the matter, and what is the historical reality, which in no way go in the "logic" of Putin and Lavrov.
Let's to turn one's attention to the historical sources, the basis of the true history, which completely denials the Putin-Lavrov's affirmations.
The Russian authorities are right in one question: two Ossetias (North and South) never existed before the begining of 1900s. There was only one Ossetia over the Caucasian mountain ridge, behind the Darial Gate. The Darial canyon as the Ossetia's gate was mentioned by Juansher - the historian of the Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali (V cen.)[23]. The outstanding Georgian historian and geographer of the XVII century, one of the founders of the Moskow University, Prince Vakhushti Bagrationi mentioned the same and noted that Tskhinvali, Eredvi, Tamarasheni, Achabeti, Kekhvi, Sveri, Kemerti, Java and other willages were the Georgian populated areas. At the same time the author mentioned that except Georgians there lived also Jews and Armenians. Ossetians were showed only in Java and near it [24]. In the Brokhaus-Efron's well-known "Small Encyclopaedic Dictionary" [25] is mentioned: "Ossetians dwell in Ossetia in the middle part of the main Caucasian mountain ridge. All Ossetians, who counted about 80 thousands, were divided on the following groups: Ironians, Digorians, Tagaurians, Kurtatians and Alagirians". Thus, as it is shown, in 1901 the majority of Ossetians dwelt in the territory of contemporary North Ossetia.
In the 3th item of the Treaty between the Bolshevik Russia and the Democratic Republic of Georgia (on May 7, 1920) in black and white is written following: "1. The State frontier between Georgia and Russia is passed from the Black Sea along the river Psou up to mountain Akhakhch, over the mountain Akhakhch and the mountain Aganeta and along the north frontier of the former Chernomorski, Kutaisi and Tbilisi gubernias up to Zakatala district and along the east frontier of this district up to frontier with Armenia" [26]. In so far as, it is quite clear, that whole Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region (after 1922 the "South Ossetian Autonomous Region") formed the parts of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921).
In the 10th item of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (confirmed on February 21, 1921, and really didn't coming into force because of Russian occupation-annexation) we read: "The indivisible parts of Georgian Republic - Abkhazia (the Sokhumi district), Moslem Georgia (the Batumi district) and Zakatala (the Zakatala region) are conceded a right of the autonomous government in the local affairs" [27].
As regards Tskhinvali region, it was entered to the Gori district and had a broad cultural autonomy. In the region was created the Ossetian National Council. It should be noted that Ossetians, dwelling in the Caucasian mountain ridge, were compact settled in the territory of Shida Kartli, only in the middle of 1900ies [28]. The name "South Ossetia" is a product of the Russian imperial politics of 1900ies.
But regarding to affirmations about Abkhazia's existence as independent Soviet Republic in 1920s it's necessary remarked, that both Putin and Lavrov excellently know that really Abkhazia have gone into the "Georgian SSR" and had the rights of the autonomous republic in accordance with the agreement. This is openly confirmed by the Soviet Union Constitution of 1924, where Abkhazia was mentioned as the Autonomous Republic [29]. With this point of view also is noted "The Resolution from February 22, 1922, of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Georgian Communist Party", where was written: "To give: to the Center 35, and to the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia, Adjara and South Ossetia 3 places apiece" [30].
But most of all from historical and cultural points of view about belonging of Abkhazia and so-called "South Ossetia", the numerous monuments of the old Georgian architecture dispersing in their territories expessive demand justice.
In Abkhazia aspecially distinguished old Georgian ecclesiastical monuments are: Bichvinta's (Pitsunda) Basilica (IV-V cc.), Gantiadi's Basilica (VII c.), Gagra's Basilica (VI c.), Dranda's dome church (VIII c.), Bichvinta's and Bedia's churches (VIII-IX cc.), the churches of Akhali Athoni, Mokvi and Likhni (IX-X cc.), etc. From civil buildings there are significant medieval Anakopia's and Bagrat's castles and the ruins of Bedia's palace, the one-arched Besleti Bridge (XI-XII cc.), etc.
From the distinguished old Georgian monuments in Tskhinvali region it's necessary to note following: Nikozi's Basilica (V c., founded by the King Vakhtang Gorgasali), the cloisters of Tsirkoli (IX c.), Kanchaeti (X-XIII cc.), Tigvi (1152), Ikorta (1172), Tiri (XIV c.); the ruins of the Dzaghini Palace (VII c.), etc.
Here we don't say about the reachest archaeological material both in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, undoubtedly showing its Georgian origin.
It should be remembered also that the distihguished Georgian linguists, academicians Giorgi Akhvlediani and Arnold Chikobava were the founders of scientific study of the Abkhazian and the Ossetian languages.
We hope that above-mentioned completely unmask all lie of the Putin-Lavrov's affirmations, which perfectly illustrate the words of Colin Forbes (see his "The Leader and the Damned", 1984): when men hear small lie, they may doubt it. But a great lie shock them so much that they begin to trust it.
In spite of all, the enemy was failure, didn't achieve desirable purpose. The results of Russian-Georgian war is very heavy for Russia itself: the member states of NATO, the European Union, the OSCE and the Council of Europe are side by side of Georgia. All progressive part of the mankind protested the barbarous aggression of Russia. The number of sanctions were pursued and now pursue against Russia. The Russian aggression didn't shake Georgia's statehood and its sovereignty.
On August 25-26, 2008, the Russian legislative authority and the President of Russia confirmed to the whole world, that all Russian declarations about Georgia's territorial integrity and all their "agreements" connected with Abkhazia and so-called "South Ossetia" were only shameless farces. On August 25 the Russian legislative authority acknowledged independence of the Abkhazian and "South Ossetian" separative regions, and on August 26 the President of Russia confirmed it. Making this step with rough violation of the norms of the International Law, Russia finally threw off the "peacemaking" mask in front of the progressive humanity. This step of the Russian authorities was challenge to the whole mankind.
However Russia keeps its bad tradition and continues provocations against Georgia. In spite of it, both the reasonable, straight policy of the Georgian authorities and the President and the great support of the world are the solid guarantee that independent and indivisible Georgian state will take its very significant place in the world concord.
STOP RUSSIA!!!
My Protest! The letter to the Russian colleagues (by Prof. Dr. Guranda E. Gvaladze)
Links:
1.DMANISI
2.GEORGIAN ORTHODOX AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKINFO")
3."THE BAGRATIONI ROYAL DYNASTY OF GEORGIA" by Dr. Levan Z. Urushadze
4.DAVID IV THE BUILDER (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKIPEDIA")
5.ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKIPEDIA")
6."DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA (1918-1921)" by Dr. Levan Z. Urushadze
7.MEMORIAL PAGE OF DR. ZVIAD K. GAMSAKHURDIA
8.PRESIDENT MIKHEIL SAAKASHVILI (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKINFO")
9.HISTORY OF GEORGIA (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKINFO")
10."TETRI GIORGI" (INTERNET ENCYCLOPEDIA "WIKIPEDIA")
11.SOS GEORGIA!
12.GEORGIA UPDATE
References:
1. Al. Asatiani, "The National-Democratic Party of Georgia (1917-1937)".-J. "Samshoblo" ("La Patrie"), No: 21-22, Paris, 1937 (In Georgian)
2. M. Tugushi, "Giorgi Dekanozishvili (Life and works)".- J. "Kavkasioni", X, Paris, 1965 (In Georgian)
3. K. Salia, "The Committee of Independence of Georgia during the World War I".- J. "Bedi Kartlisa" ("Le Destin de la Georgie"), No: 39, Paris, 1962 (In Georgian)
4. G. Shaorispireli (G. Kobakhidze), "The short history of the Committee of Independence of Georgia".- J. "Sakartvelo", No: 110, Berlin, 1944 (In Georgian)
5. Al. Sanders (Alexander Nikuradze), Kaukasien, Munchen, 1944 (In German)
6. Al. Manvelishvili, "Russia and Georgia (1801-1951)", Vol. I, Paris, 1951, 446 pp. (A monograph. In Georgian)
7. Constantin Kandelaki, The Georgian Question before the Free World, Paris, 1953 (In English)
8. M. Kvitashvili, May 26 - Georgian Independence Day.- J. "Bedi Kartlisa" ("Le Destin de la Georgie"), Paris, No 17, 1954, pp. 1-3 (In English)
9. M. Mouskheli, L'U.R.S.S. ou le mythe des nationalites heureuses.- J. "Bedi Kartlisa" ("Le Destin de la Georgie"), Paris, No 16, 1954, pp. 1-5 (In French)
10. Jan V. Nanuashvili, What Everyone in the Free World should know about Russia, New York-Washington-Hollywood, 1973 (In English)
11. J. Hoffmann, Die Ostlegionen 1941-1943. Turkotataren, Kaukasier und Volgafinnen im deutschen Heer, Freiburg, 1976 (In German)
12. J. "Gushagi", No: 1/31, Paris, 1994 (In Georgian and English)
13. L. Urushadze, "Bolshevism-Menshevism and the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921)", Publishing House "Ena da Kultura", Tbilisi, 2005 (A monograph. In Georgian, English summary), ISBN 99940-23-56-X
14. G. Gabliani, Memoires, vol. I-II, Kutaisi, 1998, 2000 (In Georgian)
15. L. Chilashvili, The Pre-Christian Georgian inscription from Nekresi.- J. "Kartvelology", Tbilisi, No: 7, 2000 (In Georgian and English)
16. M. Sioridze, "The Committee of Independence of Georgia (1914-1918)", Publishing House "Ajara", Batumi, 1998 (In Georgian)
17. O. Janelidze, "About the History of the National-Democratic Party of Georgia", Publishing House "Metsniereba", Tbilisi, 2002 (In Georgian)
18. L. le Four, "Georgia and International Law", Paris, 1932 (In French)
19. G. Kvinitadze, "My answer", Paris, 1954 (In Georgian)
20. V. Tevzadze, "The memoirs of the Georgian Officer".- J. "Iveria", No 32, Paris, 1988 (In Georgian)
21. N. Matikashvili, M. Kvaliashvili, "Cadets".- J. "Iveria", No 32, Paris, 1988 (In Georgian)
22. E. Mamistvalishvili, "Bernard von Breidenbach about the Georgians in Palestine".- J. "Matsne, Series of History", Tbilisi, No:3, 1975 (In Georgian)
23. Juansher. "The Life of the King Vakhtang Gorgasali".-"Kartlis Tskhovreba" ("The Life of Kartli"). Description of Queen Anna (XV c.). Ed. by Prof. Simon Kaukhchishvili, Tbilisi, 1942, p. 103 (In Georgian)
24. Vakhushti Bagrationi. "Agtsera Sameposa Sakartveloisa" ("The Description of the Georgian Kingdom".- "Kartlis Tskhovreba". V. IV. Ed. by Prof. Simon Kaukhchishvili, Tbilisi, 1973, pp. 272, 370-373 (In Georgian)
25. The Brokhaus-Efron's "Small Encyclopaedic Dictionary", v. X, St.Petersburg, 1901, p. 574 (In Russian)
26. "Occupation and actual annexation of Georgia. Documents and materials", Tbilisi, 1990, p. 76 (In Russian)
27. "The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, confirmed on February 21, 1921", Batumi, 1921, p. 31 (In Georgian)
28. L. Toidze. How was created the Ossetian Autonomous Region, Tbilisi, 1991, p. 21 (In Georgian)
29. The Soviet Union Constitution of 1924.- History of the Soviet Constitution (1917-1956), Moscow, 1957, p. 463 (In Russian)
30. The Archives Fund of the former Georgian Communist Party Archives of the Archival Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. Fund 14, description 1, file 192, p. 215 (In Russian).
This electronic book is created by Dr. Levan Z. Urushadze (Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia)
levzur@mail2scientist.com
2005 - 2008. Dr. Levan Z. Urushadze. All rights reserved.