The News in Brief
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili Delivers Speech at Apartment Distribution Ceremony for IDPs
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, addressed the audience and delivered a speech at the ceremony commemorating the occasion of distributing apartments to displaced families in Kutaisi.
Irakli Gharibashvili, acknowledged the prolonged wait for receiving the apartments, recognizing the collective journey endured since the loss of Georgia's historical territories.
Irakli Gharibashvili asserted that currently, 20% of Georgia is under temporary occupation and expressed confidence that with a 'rights-focused' and 'result-oriented policy', the Georgian government will strive to restore Georgia's territorial integrity.
"We have lost many of our fellow citizens in these wars, and, most importantly, today 20% of our country is under temporary occupation. I would like to emphasize that this occupation is temporary. I firmly believe that, with the help of God, we will achieve the reconciliation of our country through our correct and result-oriented policy. This is our shared goal, a collective aspiration, and it should be a national objective.
For our politicians, it does not matter whether someone is in the opposition or holds a position in the government; everyone's duty should be to unite. Let's ask anyone present here, what is your main concern? Is it returning to your homes in Abkhazia and Samachablo? I wholeheartedly believe that the day for such returns will surely come, as our peaceful policy brings us closer to this significant goal every day. I have deep faith in this belief, as there is no alternative." Irakli Gharibashvili said.
US State Department Spokesperson Highlights Monitoring of June 2 Arrests and Criticizes Contradiction with European Values
During the regular press briefing at the United States State Department, the spokesperson Vedant Patel was questioned about their awareness of the ongoing protest in Tbilisi and the government's measures restricting freedom of speech and expression. In response, the spokesperson affirmed that the USA is closely monitoring the arrests made on June 2 and emphasized that the suppression of dissent contradicts European values, which prioritize tolerance.
"The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi has already issued a statement regarding this matter over the weekend, and I will reiterate their position. We are closely monitoring the cases of those who were arrested on June 2 for peacefully protesting in front of the Parliament. The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. The lack of tolerance for dissenting opinions is incompatible with Euro-Atlantic values and the European community, which the majority of Georgia's population aspires to join," stated spokesperson Vedant Patel.
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili Delivers Speech at Apartment Distribution Ceremony for IDPs
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, addressed the audience and delivered a speech at the ceremony commemorating the occasion of distributing apartments to displaced families in Kutaisi.
Irakli Gharibashvili, acknowledged the prolonged wait for receiving the apartments, recognizing the collective journey endured since the loss of Georgia's historical territories.
Irakli Gharibashvili asserted that currently, 20% of Georgia is under temporary occupation and expressed confidence that with a 'rights-focused' and 'result-oriented policy', the Georgian government will strive to restore Georgia's territorial integrity.
"We have lost many of our fellow citizens in these wars, and, most importantly, today 20% of our country is under temporary occupation. I would like to emphasize that this occupation is temporary. I firmly believe that, with the help of God, we will achieve the reconciliation of our country through our correct and result-oriented policy. This is our shared goal, a collective aspiration, and it should be a national objective.
For our politicians, it does not matter whether someone is in the opposition or holds a position in the government; everyone's duty should be to unite. Let's ask anyone present here, what is your main concern? Is it returning to your homes in Abkhazia and Samachablo? I wholeheartedly believe that the day for such returns will surely come, as our peaceful policy brings us closer to this significant goal every day. I have deep faith in this belief, as there is no alternative." Irakli Gharibashvili said.
US State Department Spokesperson Highlights Monitoring of June 2 Arrests and Criticizes Contradiction with European Values
During the regular press briefing at the United States State Department, the spokesperson Vedant Patel was questioned about their awareness of the ongoing protest in Tbilisi and the government's measures restricting freedom of speech and expression. In response, the spokesperson affirmed that the USA is closely monitoring the arrests made on June 2 and emphasized that the suppression of dissent contradicts European values, which prioritize tolerance.
"The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi has already issued a statement regarding this matter over the weekend, and I will reiterate their position. We are closely monitoring the cases of those who were arrested on June 2 for peacefully protesting in front of the Parliament. The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. The lack of tolerance for dissenting opinions is incompatible with Euro-Atlantic values and the European community, which the majority of Georgia's population aspires to join," stated spokesperson Vedant Patel.