2019-04-10
"I am Georgian, therefore I am European"-this phrase adorns Zurab Zhvania's commemorative star plaque placed today in front of the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg. The star, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe, was opened by Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze.
The Head of Government emphasized the symbolic and emotional meaning of this day for Georgia, and discussed the challenges overcome by the country with the help of its great friends.
"Now Georgia is a true symbol of democracy connecting Europe with Asia, and Asia with Europe. I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to everybody who has supported Georgia. Twenty years ago, in this same building, the late Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Zhvania made his famous speech, and he said, ‘I am Georgian, therefore I am European.' Every Georgian knows these words. And I always try to mention that it is not only a political choice of Georgia to be a member of the European family; it is our civilizational choice, a value-based choice. I would like to express my gratitude to all our friends here in Strasbourg supporting Georgia.
Let me also welcome the family members of Zurab Zhvania who are present here.
Of course, it is a very emotional day for Georgia. Still, we are facing a lot of challenges, painful challenges. 20% of the territory of my country is still occupied, but we will never give up. And I am sure that, with the support of our great friends, Georgian will succeed in creating a strong, truly European state," the Prime Minister stated.
The opening of the star was attended by Zurab Zhvania's family, representatives of Georgia's executive and legislative, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, representatives of the Strasbourg City Hall, and friends of Georgia. During the ceremony, the Anthem of Europe was performed by the Rustavi Ensemble.
Prime Minister's Press Office