Deputy Speaker of the Polish Sejm, MEP Malgorzata Gosiewska, in an interview with Radio Free Europe’s Georgian Service, had an inspiring message for Georgians:
“I want to tell my friends in Georgia and all the protesters not to give up. Your dedication and sacrifice will bring results; I am confident they already are. You inspire faith in the victory of democratic forces, build unity and solidarity, and strengthen social bonds.
“Just as the Rose Revolution and the victory of pro-Western reformer Mikheil Saakashvili were possible in 2003, change is possible now as well. I urge you not to give up and to stand firm. Hold on to your values and fight—there is no other way.
“As Ovid once said, ‘Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force, but by persistence.’ The Georgian people, who rightly demand fair elections, a Western political course, self-determination, and transparency in political life, have support within the EU structures. We stand in solidarity with you! The course of events now depends on the stance of the Georgian people.
“We can see how global politics have shifted in recent days following the victory of a Republican candidate in the United States. Resistance, protests, and rejecting injustice do make a difference.
“My dear friends, do not stop fighting for freedom and democracy. Resist the pro-Soviet government that isolates and enslaves you. Do not become hostages of the Kremlin, as has happened in Belarus. You have the right to decide for yourselves and to be part of a free, democratic world.
“You can live in a lawful and fair state, grow in accordance with your dreams and expectations, and, most importantly, be the masters of your own country. Do not succumb to discouragement or to hostile, pro-Russian forces. I believe that your determination will lead to the victory you seek!
“Look also to those who, despite severe persecution, have not capitulated, like Mikheil Saakashvili. There are others like him. I believe that their steadfastness will contribute to the rebirth of a new Georgian state and society!
“Let me conclude with the words of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, one of Poland’s founding fathers, and a proponent of uniting the efforts of nations subjugated by Russia to collectively resist Russian imperialism and achieve independence together: ‘Only those who have firm convictions and act on them, regardless of the consequences, are worthy of being called human.’
“Sakartvelo gaumarjos!”
See the full English-version interview with MEP Malgorzata Gosiewska in tomorrow’s Georgia Today newspaper.
