Vice PM Mdinaradze: unity between Church and Gov’t ‘disturbs certain groups’

Georgian Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze has said the unity between the Georgian government and the Orthodox Church continued to “disturb certain groups” allegedly acting in line with the interests of foreign forces.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, on the country’s Independence Day, Mdinaradze said some groups followed a strategy of “divide and dominate”, adding that national unity became more difficult to undermine when the Church and the people stood together “on the side of the homeland and faith”.

The vice prime minister said such unity represented a key factor in protecting the country from external influence.

Referring to the events of 26 May 2011, when police dispersed anti-government protests in Tbilisi, Mdinaradze said Independence Day celebrations should never again be associated with bloodshed or violence.

He described the events as a “difficult and painful past” that should never be repeated in Georgia.

“No celebration of independence should come at the cost of human life,” Mdinaradze said, adding that every government must place respect for people above all else.

The vice prime minister also congratulated the country on Independence Day, describing independence as Georgia’s highest national value and the foundation for peace, security, prosperity and national identity.

Mdinaradze said future generations should be raised with an understanding of the importance of independence and sovereignty for Georgia’s future.