Latest News:  

English>>World

Georgia marks Independence Day

(Xinhua)

08:46, May 27, 2013

TBILISI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, braved torrential rains on Sunday to mark their country's Independence Day.

The new government of the South Caucasus country decided to celebrate this year's Independence Day with other events than a usual military parade. Cultural, sporting and festive events were held in 26 cities and towns across the country including Tbilisi.

On Sunday, all government ministries, universities and major companies in the country presented their exhibition and entertainment corners and stalls in the 26 cities and towns to showcase Georgia's latest development.

In downtown Tbilisi there were also sporting events like basketball, soccer, judo and wrestling, as well as art exhibitions.

Folk singers and dancers put on traditional Georgian costumes and marched through the streets before gathering for a variety show on the Tbilisian boulevard of Rustaveli.

While President Mikheil Saakashvili was away celebrating the Independence Day in Afghanistan with Georgian troops serving in the ISAF, Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili made a televised speech to the whole country.

"We should learn to live in democracy and freedom," said the prime minister. "We are a country of huge traditions, but we almost have no experience of living in democracy. We should all learn it -- both the authorities and the people."

"Democratic values, human rights, EU and NATO membership, mending ties with neighboring countries, de-occupation, establishing rule of law, free judiciary and free media -- these are the issues which are inseparable parts of Georgia's independence idea; these are the main challenges we are facing," he added.

Georgia became an independent state on May 26, 1918.

We recommend:

Aftermath of Oklahoma tornado

Divers get close with marine animals

200 couples attend group wedding ceremony in Yemen

Hot air balloon collision leaves 2 dead

Commemoration held for people died of HIV

Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate 130th birthday

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:LiangJun、Yao Chun)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Live fire drill of PLA tanks

  2. Revellers join in carnival in Aalborg

  3. Anti-extremism march held in N Britain

  4. Paintings of mentally retarded children

  5. Blind date event held in China's Hangzhou

  6. Rainfall witnessed in C China

  7. Glacier shrinks on Qilian Mountain

  8. Enjoy rape flower blossom in Beijing

  9. China may start taxing more luxury goods

  10. Christie's 2013 spring auctions kicks off in HK

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Chinese premier's Swiss tour fruitful, influential
  2. China-Switzerland FTA to benefit both sides
  3. What China-Switzerland FTA brings about?
  4. What does Premier Li's Europe visit mean?
  5. Not enough attention paid to neurological diseases
  6. Why Chinese youths appear gloomy
  7. Let taxi fare reform be fair
  8. Beijing taxi fare rise hardly seen as all-win solution
  9. Hope and concerns for civilian drone industry
  10. Exchange rate reform may take time

What’s happening in China

Couple say 'I do' after 35-year wait

  1. Police bust drug ring in central China
  2. Gas pipeline explosion injures two in east China
  3. China's energy demand to peak in 20 years
  4. Life Left-behind family members after disasters
  5. Wuhan bus driver suspected of taking drugs