President Aslan Bzhania addressed the people of Abkhazia on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the Lata tragedy.

 “Dear compatriots! 

December 14, 1992 is a day that will forever remain in the memory of the people of Abkhazia. The most terrible, tragic event in the modern history of Abkhazia took place 28 years ago. The Georgian military shot down a helicopter over the village of Lata with refugees from besieged Tkuarchal heading to Gudatua. 

85 people were burnt alive in the helicopter – old men, women, children. 

It was hard to believe that at the end of the 20th century there were people living on earth who were capable of committing such an atrocity. But the invaders did not show mercy even for the children. 

We will forever preserve the memory of the innocent murdered and we will do our best to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. We must always be ready to defend our Motherland, our people, our children." 

May the victims of the monstrous Lata tragedy rest in peace. We bow before their blessed memory! "