President promises to protect everyone’s right equally

"The post-Soviet period is over. And the development of a modern type of democracy has started, Giorgi Margvelashvili, fourth President of Georgia stated in his Inaugural Address.

Margvelashvili underlined that one year ago, Bidzina Ivanishvili, former Prime Minister of Georgia, united the country. And in unity they accomplished "what seemed impossible, ensuring a successful political future for the country through a peaceful election.

The President gave the promise to guarantee equal respect for the rights of every citizen of Georgia.

"Regardless of what position our citizens took in this election, there is one goal that unites us all. And this goal is peaceful, unified, democratic, developed, and free Georgia, the newly inaugurated President said.

In his presidential speech given before up to 900 guests, Margvelashvili said that his government will:

• ensure the introduction of traditions of democratic governance, empowerment of government institutions, and citizen engagement in government

• Pay special attention to economic progress

• Georgias democratic and peaceful development constitute the cornerstone of his public policy

Margvelashvili addressed the people living in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, break-away territories of Georgia, too. The president offered them to build a successful democratic country together, to guarantee the welfare of all citizens, preservation of their ethnic and cultural identity, and respect for their political rights.

The President of Georgia, as Commander-in-Chief, also declared that he will promote the countrys defense capability.

"We will always be ready to stave off any external threat. At the same time, peaceful resolution of all international or domestic problems is our countrys unwavering policy, Margvelashvili said.

Moreover, the President promised that he will make an all-out effort to promote the interests of those who require special attention and support.

"As President, I will guarantee protection of the Constitutional Agreement with the Autocephalous Apostolic Orthodox Church of Georgia. At the same time, I will be a steadfast defender of the constitutional rights of representatives of all religions in Georgia, the President of Georgia said.

In his Inaugural speech, involving both domestic and international aspects, Giorgi Margvelashvili talked about the internally displaced people, as well. He said the state will guarantee the proper living conditions for the IDPs before they return home.

See the full version of President's inaugural speech below.