“New opportunities and challenges are ahead; they require commitment, preparation, foresight, courage with caution, and unity”, In her speech at the Independence Day ceremony, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili stressed she would repeat the phrase as many times as the deed and unity required.

On May 26, Zourabichvili notes, Georgians decided to live as a free, independent nation and refused to be enslaved or a member of another country.

“You know that defending the independence and freedom of a country is not a simple task and requires dignity and dedication. On May 26, the Georgian nation decided to live in a free, independent country. So, once and for all, Georgia refused to be part of another country, to be enslaved,” said the President.

She noted that May 26 is a day of reflection and understanding.

“The day when we have to think about the country and ask ourselves whether we are doing everything that this country needs, its future, the well-being of its people, its independence and freedom. New opportunities and challenges are ahead. They require commitment, preparation, foresight, courage with caution, and unity. I will repeat this as many times as the deed and unity need,” Zourabichvili said.

The President also addressed the citizens living in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region. “In this tense situation, there is an attempt to convince the population that Georgia can try to return the territories by force. This is another Russian disinformation,” she said.

Speaking about European prospects, the President described it as a real chance for Georgia.

“Neither our society, united around this goal, nor the souls of our ancestors, or future generations, would forgive us for missing this chance. Instead, those who succeed on this path will have a unique place in Georgian history,” the Georgian President said.

“The war in Ukraine in the middle of Europe reminds us of the wars and tragedies underwent by Georgia many times in this century. It is our duty not only to share the pain of the Ukrainian people but also to show total solidarity with them. We realize the importance and strength of solidarity, the fact reflected in Georgian society’s expression of solidarity in all its forms,” Salome Zourabichvili stated.