President Zourabichvili Commends Defense Forces, Denounces Misrepresentation of Western Allies
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili delivered a speech at a ceremony commemorating Defense Forces Day, praising the Georgian armed forces as the defenders of the country's sovereignty and freedom.
In her address, Zourabichvili emphasized the pivotal role of the Georgian army as the guardians of the nation. She hailed their dedication over the past 33 years, highlighting their crucial contribution to maintaining Georgia's independence.
"I address the army, whose chief command I proudly hold. I am addressing you, the Georgian army, as the guardians of our country and our reliable shield. I came to you today because you are a symbol of Georgia's independence and protection of freedom. You have been serving this purpose for 33 years. The same purpose was served by the independent army in 1918-1921; served by cadets, served by Georgia's guards for centuries, which brought us to this day.
I appeal to you because today the dark forces have been activated, a country that couldn't be brought to its knees through inciting ethnic conflicts, through inciting conflicts between brothers, or through direct war and occupation, couldn't be made to surrender," Zourabichvili said.
The President warned against attempts to divide Georgian society, stressing the importance of unity in the face of external challenges. Zourabichvili reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to its European aspirations, citing it as essential for the nation's development and progress.
"Today, once again, they are trying to divide society. The enemy knows very well that Georgia's weakness is only caused by the appearance of cracks in society. For more than 30 years, this country and its society have been united around one goal: the European perspective as the only way to our independence, sovereignty, identity, diversity, tolerance, peace, and development.
During these 33 years, there have been many crises, passions, and different political movements, but until now, no one has questioned this goal," the president said.
The Georgian President honored the sacrifices made by Georgian soldiers in international missions, particularly in the fight against terrorism and condemned the attempts by some individuals to depict longstanding allies and partners as an anonymous and hostile force. She labeled such portrayals as deceitful and detrimental.
"The Georgian army knows best who the enemy is and who the ally is; who has tried to destroy us and who has helped us build a modern defense force. The Georgian army knows best why we participated in international missions to make our contribution, a worthy contribution, to global security. How many of our soldiers died with dignity for this humanitarian goal - the fight against terrorism?
Today, some people want to portray our 30-year-old allies and partners as some unknown and faceless war party that challenges Georgia to adventure and confrontation. This is a big lie and detrimental.
We, and first of all you, all know very well, not only from the example of the last 30 years, who the restless enemy of Georgia's statehood and independence is. Who fought against the Georgian language starting from the 19th century, who constantly fought against the Georgian church and faith, and who fought against all efforts for Georgia's independence," Zourabichvili said.
