President to Join European March on October 20

President Salome Zurabishvili promised to join the participants of the “Georgia chooses European Union” rally planned for October 20 in Tbilisi, exactly one week before the crucial Parliamentary elections. She told Georgians “not to be afraid” of intimidation and threats, to join the march and vote on October 26.

During a briefing at the Orbeliani Palace, President Zurabishvili said that she was very happy and hopeful that “all will be well” because the unity that is “necessary to return to Europe exists in this country” and because the four main opposition political forces “are committed to the Georgian Charter” – “to the road map that should lead us back to Europe”.

President Zurabishvili said: “I am therefore confident that many of you will be present tomorrow [at the rally]. She added: “It is imperative that people peacefully express their will for the country to protect its European future.”

She added: “We will bid farewell to one-party rule, to polarization, to hatred. There is no alternative to this path – the path of development, peace, education; the path that will unite us all”.

President continued: “I know that a lot of people will take to streets tomorrow” and said she knows many are subjected to threats, pressure and attempts to make them believe that the elections will be rigged. “You shouldn’t be afraid of anything, we are on the right path, we will reach our goal peacefully, through peaceful election,” President urged compatriots, stressing that “the victory has to be clear, without any doubt.” She called on Georgians to come out without fear on October 20 rally, as well as on October 26, to cast their votes.

The peaceful “Georgia chooses EU” march will begin tomorrow at 17:00 Tbilisi time, with people gathering at five different locations in Tbilisi and marching to Freedom Square, where a concert with the participation of popular Georgian music bands is planned for 19:00.

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