The referendum conducted by Zviad Gamsakhurdia is a weapon that could not be defeated and will not be defeated by the Russian occupation – The President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili has released an address regarding the 80th anniversary of the first President Zviad Gamsakhurdia.

“March 31 is a remarkable day in our history: Today is the 80th birthday of Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. I, as the fifth President of Georgia, would like to congratulate his family and the whole society on this day.

On March 31, 1991, a referendum was held and this day is the most important date in the history of our country. The idea and organization of the referendum belong to Zviad Gamsakhurdia. His historic, bold step led to the construction of a modern state of Georgia.

This day is one of the most turning points for a nation with centuries-old state history – the referendum appointed by the first President of Georgia restored the independence taken away by the Russian troops in 1921. For this, the first President of Georgia deserves respect and gratitude.

The statehood based on the referendum is our main weapon in the fight against the Russian occupation today. The greatest power of that referendum was that it was held on the whole territory of Georgia – including Samachablo and Abkhazia.

That referendum became the basis for our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a weapon that could not be defeated and will not be defeated by the Russian occupation”, –  Salome Zurabishvili states in her address.