Embassy's statement about 9 April
On this day in 1989, the Georgian people confronted the Soviet empire through a protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, stating its legitimate aspiration to freedom, independence and democratic governance.
The empire responded to these justified demands through force and aggression, which unfortunately took the lives of 21 brave people, with many more hurt. The tragic events of 9 April was one of the first bricks to fall from the brittle façade of the USSR, soon to be followed by a cascade of similar developments all over the union, including Lithuania.
Exactly two years from the abovementioned events, Georgia announced about the re-establishment of its independence, honoring the sacrifice of the victims of 9 April 1989 and once again joining the free world.
„Lithuania also has a painful of experience of making sacrifices for gaining freedom, which is why it understands better than most the emotions and memories related to such dates. Today Lithuania honors the heroes of 9 April and remains Georgia’s strong supporter on its path to Western institutions and values” stated Ambassador Andrius Kalindra.
