‘Shevardnadze was a prominent politician’, says Margvelashvili

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili is paying his respects to the family of one of Georgia’s early presidents who died earlier today.

Ex-president Eduard Shevardnadze, 86, passed away in his Tbilisi home today after battling a long illness.

After visiting Shevardnadze’s home, Margvelashvili told journalists that the former president was one of the most prominent politicians of the 20^th century.

"We have expressed our condolences to Eduard Shevardnadze’s family. Mr Eduard was one of the most prominent politicians of the 20^th Century who took part in the deconstruction of the Soviet Union. He was a politician whose name is associated with breaking walls in Europe and the formation of new Europe,” Margvelashvili said.

He noted Shevardnadze played a serious role in the creation of new Georgia and was vital in the development of Georgia’s western course.

Margvelashvili said Shevardnadze will be honoured appropriately by the state in his burial.

Earlier today, Georgia’s Prime Minister announced a State Funeral Commission for Shevardnadze had been set up, meaning all funeral expenses would be covered by the state.

Members of Shevardnadze’s family confirmed earlier today that Shevardnadze - Georgia's second president - had passed away at his Tbilisi house after a long illness.