Georgia loses its 31st soldier in Afghanistan

Military serviceman of the 43rd Battalion of IV Mechanized Brigade, First Class Private Vasil Kuljanishvili died while carrying our “Resolute Support” mission in Afghanistan. Military of the 43rd Battalion of the IV Mechanized Brigade, Sergeant Paata Rostobaia was wounded during patrolling, the press-office of the Defense Ministry of  Georgia says.

“The Ministry of Defense of Georgia expresses deep regret over the death of the Georgian soldier and extends condolences to his family. In this difficult time, the Defense Ministry of Georgia stands beside the family of the deceased soldier and honorably pays tribute to his memory,” the ministry says in a statement.

According to the source, due to the death of First Class Private Vasil Kuljanishvili, Georgian state flags were struck on the administrative buildings of Defense Ministry and in the IV Mechanized Brigade.

“With deep sorrow I received the news on the decease of Georgian fighter, first-class soldier of 43rd Battalion of the IV mechanized brigade Vasil Kuljanishviliin Afghanistan. It is the heaviest loss for our country for which the life of each patriot is invaluable. In these difficult moments I express my condolences and solidarity to the family and relatives, and companions of the deceased, and to the armed forces and the whole country,” President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili said in his letter of condolence. 

Today’s meeting of the Georgian Cabinet of Ministers started with a minute of silence at the administration of the Georgian government.

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili expressed condolence to the family of First Class Private Vasil Kuljanishvili died in Afghanistan. The prime minister charged Defense Minister of Georgia Tinatin Khidasheli to cover the expenses on funeral ceremony.  Ministry of Finance was charged to allocate 100 000 GEL to the family of the soldier, as it is stipulated by the law. “This is great loss for Georgia. I would like to extend my deep regret over the death of the Georgian soldier”, stated the prime minister.

Georgia joined NATO’s new peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan “Resolute Support” after the Georgian parliament adopted a decision on it on Dec 24 2014.  Under the document, the peacekeeping mission comprises 750 Georgian servicemen: one battalion and one platoon.  Since the beginning of the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, Georgia has lost already 31 soldiers.