The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, addressed the public gathering at the Parliament, stressing that “Freedom and independence are values that need constant protection.”

The Speaker stressed that “Our independence has been and continues to be threatened by visible and invisible threats, be it Soviet tanks or modern attempts to degenerate our national self-consciousness and values.”

“Some people want Georgia to be a tool for pursuing the interests of other powers, a satellite country that fulfills the wishes of others.

Our basic starting point was, and will continue to be, our national interests. That is why all issues related to our independence, restoration of territorial integrity, and national identity, become a matter of principle in relations with anyone – be it an enemy or a friend.

Everyone should know that Georgia’s membership in any union should primarily serve Georgia’s interests and not the other way around. The fact that we protect Georgian interests does not mean that we are against anyone. On the contrary, to be regarded as an equal state and country, Georgia and its people must uphold their values and interests,” Papuashvili asserted.