Former Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli spoke at a parliamentary commission about the 2008 war and the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories.
Noghaideli talked about the Ergneti market, which was closed during his time as Minister of Finance. He said that while the market brought people together from different groups, it also helped smugglers avoid taxes. Noghaideli claimed responsibility for closing the market, saying it was necessary to stop smuggling and protect Georgia’s budget.
However, Noghaideli also acknowledged that alternative ways to promote dialogue between Georgians and Ossetians could have been found. He said that despite tensions between the groups, a basis for communication always existed.
Noghaideli expressed his belief that 2008 should not be used as an excuse for inaction today. He suggested that instead of focusing on past events, people should work towards finding new ways to bring the two groups together.