The News in Brief
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili: 'This Is Our Response to Occupation'
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili addressed the Georgian people and congratulated them on the positive assessment by the European Commission.
Zourabichvili stated that, above all, this day is for the Georgian people who have chosen the European path. According to the president, the people have not wavered from this chosen path.
During a speech at the Orbeliani Palace, where citizens had gathered, Zourabichvili said, 'This is our answer to Russia, our response to the occupation."
"Congratulations, my fellow compatriots - both here in Georgia and those beyond our borders. Congratulations to all residents of the occupied territories, for I am certain of one thing - our European future is also your future.
This day belongs to you; it is an achievement for Georgia. Today, I am genuinely happy, and together, we all share this happiness." Zourabichvili stated.
President Zourabichvili dedicated this day to both those who have defended the country and those who fell victim and endured the hardships of Russian occupation.
"We understand that this path is the only route to preserving our culture, identity, security, peace, and territorial integrity. The alternative path leads to slavery and the loss of our true selves, a reality not taught to the Georgian people.
This day is also a tribute to those who have been guardians of our country and, regrettably, couldn't see this day. It's a day for those who have fallen victim to the unjust and tragic occupation of our homeland. This day belongs to all, as our love for this unwavering motherland underpins both our past and our future.
This is our response to Russia, our answer to the occupation, our response to all its injustices, and a victory for all those who have resisted it, who have endured it, and who are here with us today," Zourabichvli stated.
EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski Calls for Unity Among Georgians Towards European Integration
EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski addressed the citizens of Georgia outside the Orbeliani Palace, calling the European Commission's decision to recommend granting EU candidate status to Georgia 'a truly historic day'.
"I want to sincerely congratulate all political leaders in Georgia. I want to congratulate the President of Georgia for her strong and unwavering efforts but first and foremost, I want to congratulate you all, the people of Georgia. You have strongly and consistently supported Georgic's European integration," he stated.
Pawel Herczynski highlighted that Georgia's path to achieving candidate country status involves necessary reforms as outlined by the European Commission. He emphasized the crucial need to address these steps. His central message urged unity and collective effort for Georgia's European integration, citing the potential for significant accomplishments when united.
"Today as we grief the horrific killing of the Georgian citizen by the Russian border guards, I hope the positive recommendation from the European Commission will also encourage the occupied breakaway territories to move closer to the rest of the country and eventually help bring a peaceful resolution of the continued tragic division of Georgia.
Today's positive recommendation also underlines that the EU sees Georgia as the key partner in the region which can play an important role in bringing peace and stability in the neighbourhood.
At the same time, we should not forget that the recommendation to grant Georgia the candidate country status is linked to further reforms. Addressing the steps, identified by the EC will be crucial to moving to the next stage. To do this Georgia needs to reduce political polarization. My one and most important message to all of you would be that now is the time to unite and join forces for Georgia's European integration. I witnessed many times when you are united you can really do many great things," Herczynski said.
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili: 'This Is Our Response to Occupation'
Zourabichvili stated that, above all, this day is for the Georgian people who have chosen the European path. According to the president, the people have not wavered from this chosen path.
During a speech at the Orbeliani Palace, where citizens had gathered, Zourabichvili said, 'This is our answer to Russia, our response to the occupation."
"Congratulations, my fellow compatriots - both here in Georgia and those beyond our borders. Congratulations to all residents of the occupied territories, for I am certain of one thing - our European future is also your future.
This day belongs to you; it is an achievement for Georgia. Today, I am genuinely happy, and together, we all share this happiness." Zourabichvili stated.
President Zourabichvili dedicated this day to both those who have defended the country and those who fell victim and endured the hardships of Russian occupation.
"We understand that this path is the only route to preserving our culture, identity, security, peace, and territorial integrity. The alternative path leads to slavery and the loss of our true selves, a reality not taught to the Georgian people.
This day is also a tribute to those who have been guardians of our country and, regrettably, couldn't see this day. It's a day for those who have fallen victim to the unjust and tragic occupation of our homeland. This day belongs to all, as our love for this unwavering motherland underpins both our past and our future.
This is our response to Russia, our answer to the occupation, our response to all its injustices, and a victory for all those who have resisted it, who have endured it, and who are here with us today," Zourabichvli stated.
EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski Calls for Unity Among Georgians Towards European Integration
"I want to sincerely congratulate all political leaders in Georgia. I want to congratulate the President of Georgia for her strong and unwavering efforts but first and foremost, I want to congratulate you all, the people of Georgia. You have strongly and consistently supported Georgic's European integration," he stated.
Pawel Herczynski highlighted that Georgia's path to achieving candidate country status involves necessary reforms as outlined by the European Commission. He emphasized the crucial need to address these steps. His central message urged unity and collective effort for Georgia's European integration, citing the potential for significant accomplishments when united.
"Today as we grief the horrific killing of the Georgian citizen by the Russian border guards, I hope the positive recommendation from the European Commission will also encourage the occupied breakaway territories to move closer to the rest of the country and eventually help bring a peaceful resolution of the continued tragic division of Georgia.
Today's positive recommendation also underlines that the EU sees Georgia as the key partner in the region which can play an important role in bringing peace and stability in the neighbourhood.
At the same time, we should not forget that the recommendation to grant Georgia the candidate country status is linked to further reforms. Addressing the steps, identified by the EC will be crucial to moving to the next stage. To do this Georgia needs to reduce political polarization. My one and most important message to all of you would be that now is the time to unite and join forces for Georgia's European integration. I witnessed many times when you are united you can really do many great things," Herczynski said.