“April 9 is the day when a foreign power committed violence against our fellow citizens,” reads the statement of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. He claimed that 36 years after the tragedy of April 9, a foreign power is still committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue.
“April 9 is the day when a foreign power committed violence against our fellow citizens. At the same time, April 9 is the day that united Georgia, the day when love triumphed over hatred among Georgians. April 9 is also the day when the idea of freedom triumphed over slavery. That is why today, more than ever, we must distance ourselves from all violence, defeat hatred, and protect the idea of freedom.
Today, 36 years after the tragedy of April 9, a foreign power is still committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue. Today, on Rustaveli Avenue, a foreign power is stirring up hatred, trying to artificially disrupt the unity among Georgians, and fighting against the idea of freedom. However, the experience of April 9 has taught us that the ‘existence of foreign powers is short-lived’ and that love and freedom will inevitably triumph over hatred and slavery.
Today, a foreign power attempted to provoke violence on Rustaveli Avenue, and when it failed, it resorted to violence itself. We will not give hatred additional energy and will protect our country from any provocations, even small ones, planned by foreign forces.
I believe this is exactly what the souls of the heroes of April 9, who sacrificed their lives for the idea of love and freedom, are waiting for from us. Today, we honor their memory with the proper respect. In Georgia, love and freedom will triumph over hatred and slavery!” – reads Kobakhidze’s statement.
