Bzhania congratulated the people of Abkhazia on the anniversary of the liberation of Sukhum

The operation of the Abkhazian army to liberate the city of Sukhum began on 16 September 1993, and on the 27th the capital of Abkhazia was liberated from the Georgian invaders.

President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania congratulated compatriots on the 28th anniversary of the liberation of Sukhum from the occupation-forces of the State Council of Georgia. This was reported by the press service of the head of state.

"On 27 September 1993, at the cost of great sacrifices, taking street by street from the enemy, 11 days after the beginning of the liberation-operation, our troops finally hoisted the state-flag over the capital of Abkhazia. The natural consequence of this glorious event was a victorious offensive to liberate the entire territory of the country," he said in the message.

The head of state added that it was on this day that an end was put to the destruction of ancient historical monuments, to the burning of archives and museums, to all attempts to erase the memory of the Abkhazian people and distort history.

"I express sincere words of gratitude to the veterans of the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia and congratulate all residents of our capital on the day of Sukhum’s liberation. I want to wish for peaceful skies above, happiness and prosperity," the president added.

+ The capture of Sukhum: the main battles for the liberation of the capital

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+ Georgian-Abkhaz War | FBIS Reports (Aug-Oct. 1992)

The head of state also addressed congratulations to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic.

"There are many dates in the history of our country that have played a decisive role in the preservation and formation of our state. Of course, the most important holiday for us is Victory Day in the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia of 1992-1993," Aslan Bzhania noted.

He recalled that during the war-years, the international community openly supported Georgia and denied Abkhazia the right to express its position.

"By mobilising all forces, by standing as one, our people were able to break the enemy and overcome all obstacles. In the most difficult conditions, in the shortest possible time, we were able to create an effective military government and army both on the ground and in the air and on the water," the president emphasised.

Aslan Bzhania separately highlighted the contribution of the fraternal peoples of the North Caucasus, volunteers from the North Caucasus, compatriots from Turkey, Jordan, Syria and other countries to the victory and independence of Abkhazia.

Polish volunteer Janusz Godawa and Kabardian (Circassian) volunteer Arsen Efendiev carrying the Abkhaz flag to the top of the parliament building in Sukhum.

“Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Abkhazia, to thank all veterans for the Victory and our peaceful skies, to thank all soldiers and officers for the service."

On 27 September 1993, Abkhazian troops reached the centre of Sukhum; by 15:30 the flag of the Republic of Abkhazia fluttered over the building of the Council of Ministers – the capital of Abkhazia had been liberated.