On May 26, 2022, the National Libraryof the Parliament of Georgia hosted the presentation of the monograph"Georgian Paradigm of Peace" by Professor Zurab Khonelidze, the
Rector of Sokhumi State University. The choice of this date was deliberate, as
it coincided with Georgia's Independence Day, adding significance to the event.
According to the Deputy Director of the National Library of the Parliament of
Georgia and Doctor of History, Mirian Khositashvili, this day perfectly aligned
with the spirit of Mr. Zurab Khonelidze's monograph.
The anticipation for the presentation
was intense as the hall was filled with a diverse audience, including members
of the Parliament of Georgia, deputies of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous
Republic of Abkhazia, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and
individuals from the cultural sphere. The interest was so substantial that
additional chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the attendees. This
strong turnout reflects the keen interest and importance attributed to the
subject matter presented in Professor Khonelidze's monograph.
The opening of the presentation was
conducted by the esteemed Georgian journalist, Nugzar Rukhadze, who remarked,
"Zurab Khonelidze's book does not need advertising. The thought conveyed
here should make any Georgian think." He compared the significance of the
book to Samuel Huntington's thoughts on a global scale, emphasizing its
importance for the region. Rukhadze assured the audience that they were in the
right place, eagerly awaiting the insights from this essential book.
The event's moderator, Associate
Professor Lia Akhaladze, highlighted the uniqueness of the work, stating,
"This is not only the vision of Mr. Zurab; it is the vision of Sokhumi
State University from the perspective of settling conflicts. I think that there
are no such works of conceptual vision, and, in this sense, it is unique."
Rector of Sokhumi State University,
Professor Zurab Khonelidze, expressed gratitude to the attendees for their
interest in his work. He acknowledged them as patriots deeply connected to
their homeland and country. Khonelidze emphasized the thoughtful choice of
Sokhumi State University, calling it the most Georgian university, and
acknowledged its shared fate with the country. He expressed his joy that the
university receives substantial support from the government, recognizing the
understanding of the idea and mission that the university carries. He described
Sokhumi State University as a bridge connecting Sokhumi and Tbilisi.
First Vice-Speaker, Chairman of the
Temporary Parliamentary Commission on Restoration of Territorial Integrity andDe-occupation, Giorgi Volski noted:
- Today, the situation is very
difficult in the region and the world. This book is an important work that can
be used as a guide for the state's strategic vision. I am not saying this
because Mr. Zurab Khonelidze is my friend and currently he is the head of one
of the most important universities, but because his work presented us with the
result of deep thinking.
The Chairman of the Education andScience Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Professor Giorgi Amilakhvari,
also gave high praise to the "Georgian Paradigm of Peace":
- This is an important work that can
make a big difference in processes of conflict settlement and even serve as a basis for making
appropriate decisions in this direction.
The Chairman of the Creative Union of
Writers of Georgia, poet Makvala Gonashvili, presented the diploma "For
Merit" to Rector Zurab Khonelidze, recognizing his fruitful scientific and
public work. Gonashvili praised Khonelidze for being a person who champions
truth and fights for it. She acknowledged his genuine dedication to the
country, contrasting it with what she referred to as the fashionable but
self-serving discourse on homeland and politics prevalent today.
Professor Gulnaz Khukhua of Sokhumi
State University highlighted Khonelidze as a statesman who comprehensively
understands state and national problems, leading to thoughtful solutions. She
commended his work for embodying a consciousness rooted in humanity, peace, and
love.
Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Councilof the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Tamaz Khubua, praised the extraordinary
nature of the book, raising the question of why the state should not leverage
Khonelidze's brilliant diplomatic experience.
Dalila Khorava, President of the
non-governmental organization "Georgia for Support of IDPs," hailed
Khonelidze's work as a reference book for those involved in the conflict
settlement process. She also congratulated him on being chosen as an Ambassador of peace.
Levan Geradze, the head of the Peace
Education Center at Sokhumi State University, highlighted the book's importance
in terms of actualizing the peace process.
The author,
Zurab Khonelidze, engaged with questions from the audience, providing
exhaustive answers. The conclusion reiterated that the book is available for
purchase at "Shakro Babu" and "Biblus" stores. The diverse
range of commendations from individuals representing different sectors
underscores the broad impact and relevance of Khonelidze's work in the realm of
diplomacy and peacebuilding.
A reminder for interested readers: the
book "Georgian Paradigm of Peace" by Zurab Khonelidze is available
for purchase at "Shakro Babu" and "Byblus" stores.
