May 26, 2008
Georgian Public Broadcaster

Georgia celebrates its National Independence Day on May 26. A military parade dedicated to the festive occasion was kicked off outside the Parliament, on the central Rustaveli Avenue of Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi exactly at 11:00 AM.

The military parade lasted about 40 minutes. The Commander-in-Chief of Georgian Armed Forces, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili greeted the army, which was marching in review on Rustaveli Avenue. The Georgian Executive Government and the representatives of Legislative Body, Georgian representatives of Diplomatic Corps from over 40 countries attended the military parade, held in the honour of Georgia's Independence Day. 2,000 Georgian soldiers and 90 military vehicles participated in the parade. Traffic limitations have been imposed from early morning so to allow for the festive occasion.

Lech Kaczynski, Polish President arrived to Georgia late last night extraordinary to attend the ceremony along with other officials. Later, a joint press conference of the Georgian and Poland Presidents will take place. Lech Kaczynski is to depart back to Poland later today.

A number of celebrating events are to be organised within the scope of the Independence Day. A Flowers’ Festival and an exhibition of various Georgian painters are also scheduled for May 26. In addition, a concert will be held in the evening on Freedom Square. Invited ex-solo singer of the group “Moloko” Roshin Murphy will be singing for Georgian audience on the Freedom square.