The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality visited Gori and honored the memory of those, who died during the August war, 2008. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili also attended the funeral commemoration of the dead souls.

"Right now we are at a special place. This memorial was erected by missiles that killed civilians. Lots of people died in this war. In 2008 media spread terrible shots from this place. We do not want Georgia to become the “breaking news” issue of the world’s leading media because of terrible war coverage. We would like to be in the spotlight of the world media for the successful development stories. We also need to mobilize the attention and support of the international community around the problem of conflicts peaceful resolution. Because the peaceful settlement of conflicts is an important factor of security and stability not only in Georgia but also in the Europe. The consequences of conflict is occupation and still ongoing wire fencing, which is making lots of difficulties to people. For me these people are the heroes of our time. In spite of many challenges - illegal detentions, restrictions on access to the land and freedom of movement, do not leave their native land and raise their children with hope for a better future. One of the main priorities of our government is (and will be) – the special care of people, who were affected by the conflict and still lives near the occupation line, also of IDP’s. We will struggle for their right of return to their houses. The fate of people, living on the other side of the barbed wire and facing so many challenges – is our priority. I do not mean only the special category of the vulnerable population (for example, Georgians of Gali district), but our whole population, regardless of their ethnicity"- said Tsikhelashvili.

The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality appealed to the residents of the occupied territory and noted that the strengthening of the country, first of all, means the reunification of the people.

"In this very tough day I would like to make another appeal. It’s time to overestimate the consequences of war, to analyze the situation we are facing. Wire fences, confrontation, a real threat to the identity in terms of russification. Such reality is not in our interests - neither of Georgians, nor of Abkhazians or Ossetians. So today we would like to emphasize once again - we would never allow war, bloodshed and engaging in provocation. We live in a serious security threats and the price of peace is very high, requiring tireless work. We must take the steps towards a better future. Caring for the peace, construction of trust and reconciliation – these will be the main line of our policy. Because the strengthening of the country, first of all, means the reunification of the people”.

The State Minister also laid a wreath at the mass grave in the cemetery of Muhatgverdi, at the so-called "memorial projectiles" in Verhvebi, at the memorial in honor of soldiers, killed in the August war, 2008 and at the memorial of heroes, died for the independence of Georgia.