Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she chose the “symbolic day” of March 31 to deliver her annual report in the parliament.

President Zourabichvili reminded the lawmakers and the invited guests, as she delivered the report, that the Georgian people decided their future through an independence referendum on March 31, 1991. And following this referendum, on April 9, Georgia officially declared its independence with the words announced by President Zviad Gamsakhurdia: “The will of the Georgian nation has been fulfilled! Long live independent Georgia!”

President said that on March 31 and April 9, the government served the national interests of Georgia and the Georgian people, and the incumbent government had to fulfil the Georgian people’s will.

“Today, the national interest and the expressed will of the people are in accord, and the goal is clear – it is the European future. The government must fulfil the will of the Georgian nation. That is what the people gave you a mandate for, and that is what you are here for,” she said.

The main takeaways from President’s annual speech:

“Protection of the people’s will is the driving force of my activities. I will apply all resources to safeguard and reinforce the country’s European aspirations and achievements.”

“No matter how hard you try to spread the conspiracy theories of the second front, people know very well that the idea of ​​creating the European Union is to foster peace and not war.”

“Today, we face a crisis, and I fully acknowledge the power of the President’s institute. There is no time for split and confrontations.”

“The goal which unites me and people was decisive when I presented myself in presidential elections. This goal is liberation from Russian pressure and the European aspirations’ implementation.”

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Cabinet members, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and clergy attended the President’s annual report.