Eduard Shevardnadze

#### A Life of Service to Georgia and the World

Full Name and Common Aliases
Eduard Amvrosi Shevardnadze was born on January 25, 1928, in Mamati, a small village in the Guria region of Georgia. He is also known as Eduard Shevardnadze or Edisher.

Birth and Death Dates
January 25, 1928 - July 20, 2014

Nationality and Profession(s)
Georgian politician and statesman. Shevardnadze served in various capacities throughout his career, including:

Minister of Internal Affairs (1954-1965)
First Secretary of the Communist Party of Georgia (1972-1985)
Soviet Foreign Minister (1985-1991)
President of Georgia (1995-2003)

Early Life and Background
Eduard Shevardnadze was born into a family of modest means. His father, Amvrosi Shevardnadze, worked as a shepherd and later became the village's head teacher. Eduard's mother, Nino Shevardnadze (née Beraia), managed their household while also working as a local nurse.

Growing up in rural Georgia during World War II, Shevardnadze witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of war on his community. In 1944, at just 16 years old, he joined the Soviet Young Communist League and began his ascent through the party ranks.

Major Accomplishments
Shevardnadze's career was marked by significant accomplishments, both within Georgia and in international diplomacy:

Mikhail Gorbachev's trusted advisor: Shevardnadze played a crucial role as Gorbachev's foreign minister during the early years of perestroika and glasnost. He advocated for reform and openness in Soviet policy.
Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan: In 1986, Shevardnadze oversaw the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, marking a significant turning point in Soviet foreign policy.
Georgian independence: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Shevardnadze returned to Georgia and played a key role in its transition to independence. He served as president from 1995 to 2003.

Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Eduard Shevardnadze include:

The "Shevardnadze Doctrine": This doctrine emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, particularly Russia.
Reforms in Georgia: As president, Shevardnadze implemented various reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and promoting economic growth.

Impact and Legacy
Eduard Shevardnadze's impact on world politics is undeniable:

He was a key figure in shaping Soviet foreign policy during the 1980s.
His advocacy for reform and openness contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
As president, he worked to establish Georgia as an independent nation-state.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Shevardnadze is remembered and quoted by his contemporaries for several reasons:

Leadership during times of change: His ability to adapt to shifting circumstances made him a respected leader in the Soviet Union.
Commitment to reform: Shevardnadze's advocacy for openness and transparency helped pave the way for significant reforms in both Georgia and the broader Soviet sphere.

Conclusion

Eduard Shevardnadze left an indelible mark on world history through his tireless work as a statesman, diplomat, and advocate for reform. His commitment to creating positive change continues to inspire leaders today.