April 9 is the day when a foreign power committed violence against our fellow citizens, writes the Prime Minister of Georgia.

“At the same time, April 9 is the day that united Georgia, the day when love among Georgians overcame hatred. April 9 is also the day when the idea of freedom triumphed over slavery. That is why, today, more than ever, we must renounce all violence, defeat hatred and defend the idea of freedom.

Today, 36 years after the April 9 tragedy, a foreign power is still committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue. Even today, on Rustaveli Avenue, a foreign power is stirring up hatred, trying to artificially break the unity among Georgians and fighting the idea of freedom.

However, the experience of April 9 has taught us that the “existence of a foreign power is short-lived” and love and freedom will definitely triumph over hatred and slavery.

Today, on Rustaveli Avenue, a foreign power tried to provoke violence and when it failed, it resorted to violence itself. We cannot give additional energy to hatred and we will avoid any provocation, even a small one, planned by a foreign power in our country.

We believe that this is exactly what the souls of the heroes of April 9, who sacrificed their lives for the idea of love and freedom, expect from us. We will pay due respect to their memory today. In Georgia, love and freedom will triumph over hatred and slavery”, - writes Irakli Kobakhidze.