We are one family – EU Ambassador to Georgians

"There will be people who will try to tempt you away from our common family, do not permit this,” warned an EU leader to residents of the village Ghogheti, located near the occupation line.

EU Ambassador Philip Dimitrov, was addressed by one resident of village Tristan Shatirishvili, who said EU aid was necessary.

"As you know, Georgians are proud people. We endured many troubles and perhaps we would have been more proud if we could overcome current difficulties by ourselves.

"However, no matter how much we try, we cannot overcome a neighbour as big as Russia. We must have the support of European people and we demand this. We need help soon because this critical situation has continued already for 20 years.”

The EU Ambassador responded and said he knew Georgian’s were proud people and that was one of the things he admired about them.

"You have lived through a lot of problems and you should not forget it and do not give up. It is not a matter of pride not to accept the support of those who really love you. We believe that we are one family and we are trying to help a member of our family,” he said.

"I come from the country which joined the European Union last. I know how difficult it is to wait but things do not happen all at once,” Dimitrov said.

"We will do our best to give you the chance to get in. But that will also depend on you because there will be people who will come and try to tempt you one way or another away from our common family. Do not permit to get tempted by sweet words and promises. I am sure if you manage this, the outcome will be positive.”

Dimitrov stressed that if Georgians were able to overcome upcoming challenges on their journey to the European Union, the results would be good.

The Ambassador and Simone Wolken from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees visited Ghogheti yesterday, January 23.

They delivered humanitarian aid to the villagers living across the occupation line.