Saakashvili Expresses Sorrow over Death of Three Georgian Militaries in Afghanistan

• Thursday, February 23, 01:43

Tbilisi. President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili expressed deep sorrow over the death of three Georgian militaries during the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, is said in the statement, which has been placed on the site of the head of the state  on Wednesday, February 22.

Three militaries of the Georgian peacekeeping contingent, Corporal Valiko Beraya, Ruslan Meladze and Paata Kacharava died in Afghanistan as a result of Taliban's attack. The Defence Ministry of Georgia disseminated a corresponding statement reports on Wednesday. It is not reported when the incident occurred.

"It is a heavy blow for me, especially taking into consideration the fact that two days ago I was with them.  I saw how they fulfilled courageously dangerous tasks", the site cites President's words.

Saakashvili noted that Georgian military men went to Afghanistan, realizing a risk and behaved with dignity. ]

                "I told them that the present generation evaluated their selflessness and future generations would estimate it too as they would live in the unified and strong country. It will be a merit of our soldiers, who shed blood for the future", is noted in the statement.

                Saakashvili expressed condolences  to families of military men who had died.

                "The country and the nation have been always having such self-sacrificing sons. I honor memory of late soldiers and condole to their families", President said.

Valiko Beraya, Ruslan Meladze and Paata Kacharava served in the 31st battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the Defence Ministry of Georgia under command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Helmand province.

Georgian militaries have been serving in Afghanistan since August 6, 2009. 15 Georgian militaries died in Afghanistan during the Georgian military contingent participation in ISAF operation under NATO auspice.

On Monday, February 20, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili paid a short term visit to Afghanistan and visited Georgian militaries  on the military base "Shukvani".