Georgian president: Independence must be defended daily

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili said that independence is a value that must be protected every day, as he addressed an event marking Georgia Independence Day.

Kavelashvili praised past generations for preserving the idea of Georgian statehood and enduring struggles to protect the country’s faith, identity, traditions and native language, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media. 

The president highlighted the historic role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in maintaining national identity and spirituality. He said the Church had safeguarded public consciousness for 1,700 years and continues to serve as a pillar of support in modern society.

Kavelashvili stressed that independence requires constant effort and responsibility, adding that Georgia must remain united and strong. He said decisions concerning the country’s future should be based solely on national interests.

Addressing young people, the Georgian leader described them as the driving force behind the country’s development. He also urged them to uphold what he called eternal values, including God, the motherland, humanity, language, faith and family.

By Sabina Mammadli