Georgian PM hails public, Gov’t efforts in “historic triumph” of EU candidacy
The PM also told the public “while we savour this triumph, an even greater victory lies ahead”, adding “[w]ith the grace of God, we must unite our nation and realise the shared dream of every Georgian and citizen of this land - to reside in a united and robust European state”. Photo: PM's press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday hailed the efforts of the country’s population and its Government in obtaining the European Union membership candidate status on Thursday, making the comments in a public celebration dedicated to the “historic victory” in Tbilisi.
In his address to the public on Freedom Square in the capital, the head of the Government told the public “we fought, we worked hard and we won together. We, the Government and the people, deservedly won the status”.
This victory is yours - belonging to our indomitable, unbroken, proud, and freedom-loving Georgian people. The Government and the people, hand in hand, rightfully earned the status. This victory is well-deserved. [The Government] dedicated our efforts and fought on behalf of the Georgian people, for our country and its citizens, and together, we achieved this triumph”, Garibashvili said.
He highlighted the authorities had refused to “stand on one leg, and we did not kneel. Instead, we stood resolutely and rightfully secured this victory” in their effort for ensuring progress on the country’s EU path.
December 14 will be forever etched in the history of Georgia as a day of jubilation, marking the well-deserved triumph of the proud and honourable Georgian nation, marking the well-earned success of the Georgian people. Today, Georgia proudly stands as a European nation”, the PM said.
Reaffirming the victory as a “collective achievement”, he also told the public “we have overcome both internal and external adversaries, we have averted the threat of war and catastrophe. In preserving peace, we have shielded our people and fortified the sovereignty and independence of our nation”.
Photo: PM's press office
The PM also extended his gratitude to European partners, supporters and allies in the United States and noted “[s]pecial thanks for the presence of the European Union Ambassador and all ambassadors from the EU as well as to everyone who endorsed this just and historic decision”.
The Government head added he had expressed his gratitude to “our European friends, colleagues, and leaders, having received their warm greetings” after obtaining the status on Thursday.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you - my beloved people, to our united and strong team, as well as to all public servants and contributors to this monumental success and victory”, Garibashvili added in his comments.
The PM also told the public “while we savour this triumph, an even greater victory lies ahead”, adding “[w]ith the grace of God, we must unite our nation and realise the shared dream of every Georgian and citizen of this land - to reside in a united and robust European state”.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party and Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream and Tbilisi Mayor, on Friday joined the celebration event at the central Freedom Square on the occasion of obtaining the European Union membership status on the previous day, and congratulated the citizens on the “victory”.
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December 14 will be recorded as “a historic day”, starting today Georgia is a European state, the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Thursday following the European Council’s decision on granting Georgia the European Union membership candidate status.
Paweł Herczyński, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia and the ambassadors of the EU member states on Thursday congratulated Georgia on being granted the bloc’s membership candidate status.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday congratulated Georgian people on “this historic day” - being granted the European Union membership candidate status.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday congratulated Georgian people on the European Council’s decision to grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status.
Charles Michel, the European Council President, on Thursday said the Council granted Georgia the European Union membership candidate status.
Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Thursday said the European Union member states “unequivocally” supported granting Georgia the bloc membership candidate status.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Friday said the European Council’s decision to grant the country the EU candidate status was a “very important historic decision” and a “new stage” for Georgia.
Ilia II, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, on Friday hailed the efforts of the current Government and Georgian people in obtaining the European Union membership candidate status.
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The European Union Delegation to Georgia on Saturday released a scenic reel of capital Tbilisi’s landmarks illuminated in the colours of the EU flag in a symbolic move after the European Council granted Georgia its membership candidate status on December 14.
Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Saturday said the European Union had acknowledged the importance of peace and stability in the Eastern Partnership countries of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, “otherwise Europe will not be at peace”.
Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Sunday highlighted the Government’s efforts on the backdrop of current global challenges by saying “we have achieved that the country is developing steadily in the face” of them.
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Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday said the country had achieved one of the “greatest victories” in its modern history by obtaining the European Union membership candidate status this month “despite internal and external challenges”.