Zurabishvili to Azeris in Gardaban: I Can’t Talk to You in Russian
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, March 22
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili congratulated ethnic Azerbaijani people on Novruz Bayrami traditional holiday in town Gardabani, Kvemo Kartli Region of Georgia.
While speaking with the locals, gathered in the center of the town, the President noted she could not communicate with them in Russian, adding it was not the language which unites the peoples living in Georgia.
“I can learn and say some words Azerbaijani but it is excluded that I speak in Russian,” she said, adding Georgians and Azeri people speak one language – Georgian while in parallel they preserve and continue your traditions.
She added that Georgia is such a country, where peoples of different ethnicity and religion can live together without having a conflict or discord.
“We should continue coexistence, strengthen Georgia and become an exemplary country to astonish the whole world,” President said.
Zurabishvili attended the festive events with the locals and representatives of the municipality and stressed the importance of preservation of traditions as important as the introduction of innovations in the country.
"I'm not a guest here, I am a host, like anywhere in Georgia. I am home and I am very happy that I am with you in my home and I can celebrate this wonderful holiday,” she added.
The president also spoke about the importance of staying unique by preserving old customs and traditions.
“You continue your traditions, keep your language, your songs, your dances, all this is the wealth of Georgia,” she said.
Novruz is the Iranian New Year also known as the Persian New Year, which is celebrated worldwide by various ethnolinguistic groups. Despite its Iranian and Zoroastrian origins, Novruz has been celebrated by diverse communities.
