Georgian leaders pay tribute to anniversary of historic referendum on independence

On this day 27 years ago a referendum was held in Georgia that led to the country gaining independence from the Soviet Union.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said March 31, 1991 has been decisive for Georgia's new history.

The referendum held on this day has laid a foundation to the restoration of Georgia’s independence and defined the future of Georgia”, PM Kvirikashvili said.

Congratulating all of Georgia on the anniversary, he wished all citizens a life in a strong and united country.

President Margvelashvili also highlighted the importance of the referendum through which the Georgian people have expressed their strong will to become part of a democratic world and return to the European family.

Zviad Gamsakhurdia, with his son Giorgi Gamsakhurdia attended opening of the first session of the Supreme Council, 1990. Photo from the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, owner: Central Library of Zugdidi

Today Georgia is also celebrating the birthday of the first democratically elected president of independent Georgia Zviad Gamsakhurdia (1939-1993), who called the referendum during his term in office.

• More than 98 percent of people across the country, including the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), have then supported the restoration of independence from Russia that was first declared on May 26, 1918.
• However, this was short-lived independence as the country was re-invaded by Russia’s Bolshevik Army and absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1921.
• Seventy years later, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia once again became independent on May 26, 1991.