**Georgia Celebrates 34 Years of Independence**
Today, the Georgian people and their government will decide together how to shape their own destiny. This is according to Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.
Independence is the result of hard work every day. Georgia has been on this path for 34 years, trying to get stronger while overcoming big obstacles. “This struggle is not over and will never end,” says Papuashvili.
**A Unanimous Decision**
On March 31, 1991, people in Georgia voted “yes” to restore the country’s independence in a general referendum. This was after nine days of Zviad Gamsakhurdia declaring Georgia independent.
It has been exactly 70 years since the Soviet Union fell apart. Today is also the birthday of the first president of Georgia, who would have turned 86.
**A Fight for Independence**
Georgia voted to be free from the Soviet Union and its influence. They chose not to change masters or become slaves again but to be independent and have their own identity.
The Georgian nation paid a heavy price to gain independence. They went through difficult times to achieve statehood.
Papuashvili says that no one has the right to question or risk the country’s achievements. He also warns against exchanging independence for new slavery, vassalage, or foreign influence.
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