PM : I am expressing profound respect for our heroes

I am expressing profound respect for our heroes, their memories and I am convinced that the Georgian nation will always remain devoted for the ideals around which it united 30 years ago, - Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said at Rustaveli Ave today, where he laid flowers to pay tribute to the April 9 victims.

"Today, 30 years has passed since the April 9 tragedy. This day really united the entire Georgian nation to fight for freedom. All our centuries-old history is a fight for freedom and this fight continues today. The Georgian nation united 30 years ago and it led us to the restoration of our statehood. It is symbolic that after two years of this tragedy we declared independence of our country, "said Mamuka Bakhtadze.

30 years have passed since April 9, 1989 tragedy. Prime Minister, other members of the Cabinet and citizens gathered at the memorial before the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, where the tragedy occurred, lit candles and laid flowers to pay tribute to the people who died during the demonstration.