EU ambassador: ‘EU is proud to stand together with Georgia on its Independence Day’
EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Harzell stated that EU-Georgia relations are based on shared values. Photo: EU in Georgia press office.
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EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Harzell has extended his congratulations to Georgia and its people on Independence Day and said that the European Union is proud to stand together with Georgia on this day, ‘as we continue standing up for her independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
He said that today Georgia marks the birth of the First Republic, recognised by European nations over 100 years ago.
That independence was short-lived, but the Georgian people achieved something remarkable during those three years. A determined and vibrant political class adopted a progressive constitution based on democratic ideals and equality, in many ways ahead of its times. It came to an end in the face of overwhelming Soviet force, but throughout the following 70 years the idea of an independent Georgia was kept alive,” Harzell said.
Harzell stated that as Georgia continues on the road of state consolidation and modernisation, reclaiming its rightful place in Europe, it is a true asset to be able to gain strength from the past.
EU-Georgia relations are based on shared values and on this foundation we stand united as friends in the face of common challenges. In the current times of hardship, the European Union and its Member States have already sent a strong message of support to Georgia, demonstrating what such friendship really means,” Harzell said.
Georgia is celebrating the date modestly this year due to the pandemic, without public gatherings.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and President Salome Zurabishvili have congratulated Georgian citizens, emigrants and people living in the country’s two Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali on Independence Day.
US President Donald Trump has congratulated Georgia on its Independence Day, stating that for decades the United States and Georgia ‘have enjoyed a strong partnership rooted in shared values and interests.’
The US State Secretary Mike Pompeo has congratulated Georgia on its Independence Day, stating that the US and Georgia have a strong strategic partnership built upon shared values and a deep love of freedom, independence, and unity.
Today Georgians mark Independence Day, commemorating May 26, 1918 – the day when the Act of Independence was adopted and which established the First Democratic Republic of Georgia.Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no large-scale events will take place around the country, with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia marking the date with the country’s armed forces, on the base of the fourth mechanised brigade.
Chairman of the United States Commission For the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad Paul Packer has congratulated Georgians on Independence Day, May 26 by honouring Georgian Saint Grigol Peradze, who saved lives during the invasion of Poland by German troops in 1939.
Countries from around the world congratulate Georgia on Independence Day. Different sights throughout the world were illuminated in white and red, the colors of the national flag of Georgia. The flag of Georgia was unfurled in the centre of Vilnius.