“We must do everything to prevent external forces from artificially dividing our society. Conversely, we need to strive for unity grounded in love,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists.

According to the Prime Minister, the foundation of a united society lies in love, and he vowed not to permit anyone to sow division through incitement of hatred.

“External forces have been thoroughly exhausted and sought to provoke us for their own benefits. We refused to fall into their trap and adhere to their narrative. We must prioritize unity in our society and avoid any actions that would enable outside influences to divide us artificially. Thus, we believe we have made not just a pragmatic choice but one that truly reflects the interests of our society. As I have written before, perhaps the souls of our heroes anticipated a decision like this—a decision aimed at fostering unity rather than conflict. We must do everything to prevent external forces from driving a wedge between us; instead, let us focus on uniting society through love. We will not allow anyone to divide us by inciting hatred,” Kobakhidze stated.

April 9 represents both a day of profound tragedy and a pivotal moment of unity and independence for the Georgian people, Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized, adding that this date serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and connection among individuals.

“Today, we honour the memory of the heroes of April 9 and celebrate their extraordinary courage. While this day marks a significant tragedy, it also symbolizes the unity and independence of our country and its people. Exactly two years after the tragedy of April 9, Georgia officially declared its restored statehood. I recall the weeks and months that followed, during which societal attitudes shifted, and love triumphed over hatred. All of this reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our country’s independence and cherishing the freedom we achieved through the sacrifices of our heroes. It also emphasizes our responsibility to care for one another and nurture our relationships with love,” the Prime Minister concluded.