Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, issued a statement in which he speaks about the current political events in Georgia and addresses the 100th anniversary of the Soviet occupation of the country.
“Exactly 100 years have passed since the Red Army occupied the newly established Democratic Republic of Georgia – bringing a halt to the ambitious determination of the Georgian people and their justified desire to become a full-fledged member of the international community. In a sad turn of the events, Georgia became part of the Soviet empire against its will.
“The standard Soviet practice of repressions and forced assimilation resulted in the destruction of the political and intellectual elite. Long decades of occupation, filled with pain, suffering, and forcible actions against the population of Georgia, followed.
“Despite that terror, the spirit of freedom had been maintained by the people, sometimes hidden or underground, but nonetheless cherished and kept secure. Seven decades after the occupation, Georgia saw a revival of this spirit, resulting in re-established independence and statehood – once again gaining the opportunity of becoming a respected member of the international community.
“Lithuania understands the huge pain brought by occupations and repressions, the meaning of the struggle for freedom. We share empathy with the feelings of the people of Georgia on this commemorative date.”
The President expressed his concern over the arrest of the leader of the opposition party, noting that the problem can only be resolved through dialogue between the parties.
He noted that Lithuania has always supported Georgia’s sovereignty and the country’s aspirations to become a member of the transatlantic family.
The President expressed his concern over the arrest of the leader of the opposition party, noting that the problem can only be resolved through dialogue between the parties.
He noted that Lithuania has always supported Georgia’s sovereignty and the country’s aspirations to become a member of the transatlantic family.
