Georgian officials stress importance of freedom, de-occupation on anniversary of Soviet occupation
On this day in 1921, Georgia lost its independence and was occupied by the Red Army, which took over Tbilisi, overthrew the government and subsequently annexed the country. Photo via National Archives of Georgia
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Georgian officials on Sunday commemorated the soldiers and civilians who died during the Soviet invasion, stressing the importance of freedom and de-occupation on the day Georgia lost its independence and was occupied by the Red Army in 1921.
In her social media post, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili highlighted the significance of “remembering lessons of the past for preserving the future”, noting “today independence and freedom have prevailed”.
February 25th-???????? marks Soviet Occupation Day.Remembering lessons of the past is essential 4preserving the future
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) February 25, 2024
Today independance&freedom have prevailed.Russian imperialistic attempts to test our resolve,in occupied territories or through hybrid measures,won't restore the past
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said February 25 was “one of the most difficult and tragic [days] in the history of Georgia” - the defeat of the First Republic of Georgia against the Soviet regime and the occupation of the Georgian state.
Despite the great efforts of Georgian patriots, the then newly created republic was not able to deal with the evil force [Soviet regime] that destroyed our country's prospects of development and freedom”, he noted, adding that occupation still continued in Georgia, as the country’s regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were controlled by the Russian forces.
He also pointed out that Georgia was now “much stronger and self-confident” and said the country had a goal and the “strength to end the occupation, unify and further strengthen its sovereignty”.
In his comments, Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani said that despite “the hardest days in the history of Georgia” due to the Soviet invasion, there had been a demonstration of the people’s “bravery and patriotism”.
The day of the Soviet occupation, [...] reminds us of the consequences of the occupation, which hindered the country's development for decades and distanced it from the European choice, [but also] points out Georgia’s main value - the love of the freedom, the God and the motherland”, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said.
Today, Georgian national flags are flying at half-mast outside the Government offices across the country, as well as at diplomatic missions and consulates abroad, in remembrance of the soldiers and civilians who died during the Soviet invasion.
On this day in 1921, Georgia lost its independence and was occupied by the Red Army, which took over Tbilisi, overthrew the government and subsequently annexed the country.