‘‘Most of all, this day belongs to you, as despite war, occupation, and other pressures, the Georgian people have spoken their mind, chose their own path, and no longer hesitate on this path. We know that this path [toward Europe] is the only way to ensure the preservation of our culture, identity, peace, and the eventual restoration of our territorial integrity. The other path [Russia] leads to slavery and does not help the Georgian people,’’ President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the population and congratulated them on the issuing of recommendation by the European Commission on granting Georgia the status of a candidate country for EU membership.
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‘‘Congratulations to you here in Georgia and to those of you abroad. Congratulations to all the residents of the occupied territory, because I know one thing for sure, our European future is also your European future. Congratulations, because this day belongs to you. This day marks a great milestone for Georgia. Today we all rejoice together. This day also belongs to our ancestors, who fought and sacrificed their lives for our independence, freedom, and democracy.
This day belongs to Ilia [Chavchavadze], today is coincidentally his birthday, but also Akaki, Niko, Vazha, Sulkhan-Saba, and Erekle, can’t name them all, everyone who shared this great aspiration in different ways throughout the centuries, for Georgia to become a member of the civilized family called Europe. We strive towards European civilization, culture, with the basis of our culture and identity.
This day belongs to Zviad and Merabi, to Zura Zhvania, and to all the leaders of this country who contributed to this great cause, but most of all this day is yours.
This day is no less the day of those who stood up for this country and are no longer with us. Those who died fighting the unjust and tragic occupation of this country. Our past and future rest on the unrelenting love for this country.
This is our answer to Russia, to its occupation, to all its indignities, and a victory for all those who fought against it, who fought for this day to come,’’ the President addressed the gathered citizens.
The event held by the Orbeliani Palace was also attended by Georgian politicians and foreign diplomats.
On the initiative of the president, people honored the memory of the dead with a minute of silence.
Salome Zourabichvili said she spoke with the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova and congratulated them on a very important day for them as well. The European Commission has issued a recommendation to start the accession negotiations to the European Union with Ukraine and Moldova.
The President of Georgia launched the ‘Our voice to Europe’ campaign so the people can have their voices heard by the European leaders, before they reach the final decision on granting Georgia the status of EU candidate country in December. The petition can be signed at the Orbeliani Palace and online.
‘‘We, the people of Georgia, are addressing you, the European leaders, before the historic decision of December. We want to reach you with our voices and show you our spirit.
We appeal to you to grant our country the status of a candidate, as per the long-term purposeful striving and unwavering will of the people of Georgia. The will of the Georgian people could not be shaken by any of the difficult challenges we faced – not by war or the occupation. We are one with our common past and shared values. Therefore, our future is with you, in Europe, and there is no alternative!
As per the condition enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia, we will spare no effort and will not deviate from our goal: despite our differing political views, we sign this petition with the strength of unity and request the status of a candidate,’’ the petition reads.
On November 8, the European Commission recommended that Georgia be granted the status of a candidate for EU membership, with the condition of implementation of some reforms. The decision to grant the status will be made at the summit on December 14-15.
