President of Georgia Emphasizes European Choice as the Sole Viable Option in European Parliament Address
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, June 1, 2023
During her speech in the European Parliament, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili asserted that Georgia's European choice is not only legitimate but also the only viable option. She emphasized that Georgia's values, history, attitude, and vision for the European future align with joining the European family.
Zourabichvili highlighted that the Georgian constitution mandates all state structures to take necessary measures in support of European integration.
The President of Georgia expressed her strong commitment to seeing a free Georgia in a free Europe, which she believes is essential for Georgia's independence and its citizens. She emphasized the importance of establishing a tangible connection between Europe and Georgia.
According to Zourabichvili, she is dedicated to overcoming both internal and international challenges and facilitating Georgia's path towards European integration and firmly believes that Georgia must be granted the status of a candidate for EU membership as the only way forward.
She acknowledged the tragic history that Georgia has endured for two centuries, including Tsarist rule, Russification, Soviet totalitarianism and repression. The President expressed the unwavering solidarity of the Georgian population with the Ukrainian people, recognizing their courageous defense of not only their own territory but also the values of Europe, security, freedom, and Georgia's security and European future. Zourabichvili conveyed her deep respect and admiration for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
"Madam President, Georgia has endured a tragic history spanning over 200 years, marked by the Tsarist Empire, Russification, Soviet totalitarianism, repression, and recurring Russian aggression, as we witness in Ukraine today. I wish to reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Georgian people with their Ukrainian counterparts. We fully recognize that Ukraine is not only defending its own territory but also shedding blood for the sake of Europe, its security, freedom, as well as Georgia's security and European future.
I want to express my personal respect and admiration for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. I firmly believe that in the near future, both our nations will have representatives in this esteemed assembly, sitting side by side," stated Salome Zourabichvili.
During her speech, Salome Zourabichvili appealed for support and recognition, urging the European Union to consider Georgia as a valued family member. She acknowledged that some progress has been made in implementing certain recommendations out of the 12, but emphasized that there is still much more to be accomplished.
The President of Georgia called upon the government to listen to the people and stay committed to their promises in the journey towards Europe. She urged for collective efforts in the coming months to ensure that the second chance is not missed, as it is an opportunity that the Georgian people will not forgive.
Salome Zourabichvili emphasized that despite the Russian war and occupation, Georgia has remained steadfast in its commitment to its European course:
"Despite the Russian war and occupation, Georgia has never retreated or changed its European course. European integration is not just a foreign policy orientation; it is an existential way and a part of our DNA. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have emigrated to Europe, and Georgians study English, French, and study in cities like Paris and Berlin. Our pro-European position reflects the strength of European soft power. For them, Russia has become an anachronistic past, and Europe is unquestionably the future of Georgia," said President Zourabichvili.
