President, PM and Defence Minister address crowds at Independence Day celebration

Thousands of revellers flocked to central Tbilisi to take part in Independence Day celebrations.

In the capital city, the annual Independence Day official celebration began at Freedom Square where about 200 conscripts took part in a military oath taking ceremony. This was attended by Government officials and citizens.

A military oath taking ceremony on May 26 in Tbilisi. Photo by MIA.

The celebration involved speeches by the country's President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

May 26 marked Georgia’s independence. This year is the 96th anniversary and is a national holiday where positive aspects of the country are celebrated.

About 200 new conscripts pledged allegiance to the country’s Armed Forces today.

In his Independence speech, President Giorgi Margvelashvili said independence was a basic and important premise for future development.

He believed the goal of the country was freedom, which was "much more supreme”.

President Giorgi Margvelashvili during his speech at the Independence Day on May 26, 2014. Photo by President's Press Office.

"A county has freedom if its citizens are free. Freedom is a God-given talent, which is inlaid in us. But this talent needs defence, support and wise treatment. Responsibility is the main issue in this talent. Without responsibility, freedom becomes anarchy,” Margvelashvili said.

"The will in a united country will be strengthened and will never stop developing on this direction,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili congratulated the 200 conscripts who pledged their allegiance to the country and would become our homeland’s soldiers.

"From now on, you will stand guard over your homeland, serving our people and nation. It is a great honour and responsibility to be called a Georgian soldier,” Garibashvili said.

PM Garibashvili also remembered with reverence and paid homage to Georgian solders who had sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as those killed in international peacemaking missions.

 PM Irakli Garibashvili taking the photos with the people gathered on Rustaveli Ave at the Independence Day on May 26, 2014. Photo by MOD.

"The exemplary selflessness and combat skills of our hero service members have been commended universally and we are extremely proud of that,” Garibashvili said.

Defence Minister Irakli Alasania called the conscripts to defend the country.

"From now on, the way of your living has been changed as you have to provide our children and country with security and peace,” Alasania said.

"Homeland, honour, trust- this is the motto of our Armed Forces,” he added.

Georgia’s Independence Day is being marked with various festivities and events across the country.

The main celebrations were held on Rustaveli Ave, where the PM and President, accompanied by their wives and children, made their way down Rustaveli Ave.

They were greeted by large crowds and supporters.