The Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, together with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Minister of Defence Irakli Chikovani, Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze, and representatives of the legislative and executive authorities, laid a wreath at the memorial of the cadets who fell in the battles of Kojori-Tabakhmela and paid tribute to their memory.

"105 years ago, the 11th Army of Russia attacked independent Georgia, thereby bringing an end to the existence of an independent Georgian state. This day should remind us of two things. First, independence is not a given that is achieved once and continues on its own. Independence requires protection. Just as our country`s independence required protection 105 years ago, it requires protection today - perhaps even more so - as the instruments used to undermine independence have become more diverse. It is no longer only the bayonet. Today, it is also words, propaganda, and hybrid instruments used against Georgia`s independence. Second, we must remember that, just as 105 years ago, today the enemy`s main weapon is the `fifth column` - individuals with Georgian names and surnames who promote the interests of foreign powers within our country", - said Shalva Papuashvili at the cadets` memorial in Kojori.

As he noted, the "fifth column" remains active today and seeks to subordinate Georgia to the agendas and interests of others.

"Thus, February 25 reminds us of two things: independence requires daily protection, and this is the responsibility of every citizen; and the `fifth column` must always be exposed. If we fail to expose those bearing Georgian names who wave foreign flags, it may ultimately result in another country’s flag flying over Tbilisi", - the Speaker declared.