This year, when Georgia is waiting for an answer from the European Union to receive the status of a candidate for the European Union, removing the EU flag from the symbols displayed at the events to celebrate the Independence Day is against the declared will of the citizens of Georgia and the constitutional mandate - we call you to return the EU flag to the facade of the Georgian Parliament building, the opposition deputies of the Parliament of Georgia say in a letter addressed to the Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili.

As mentioned in the letter, against the background of the policy of rapprochement with Russia, the removal of the EU flag from the symbols displayed in celebration of May 26 is another indication of Georgian Dream turning its back on Europe.

"Mr. Shalva, Georgia's aspiration for membership in the European Union is a declared national interest chosen by the people and confirmed by the Constitution of Georgia.

This year, when Georgia is waiting for a response from the European Union to receive the status of a candidate for the European Union, removing the European Union flag from the displayed symbols at the events held to celebrate the Independence Day is against the declared will of Georgian citizens and the constitutional mandate. Especially, against the background of the policy of rapprochement with Russia, this is another evidence of Georgia­n Dream turning its back on Europe. The government is obliged to implement the will of the people, guaranteed by the Constitution, and to ensure its expression, including and not only with the symbolism of the Independence Day. The flag is not just a thematic decoration, it is a political statement and relevant essence that the choice of the citizens of Georgia is Europe and no one has the right to put their own interests above the will of the citizens.

We urge you to return the EU flag to the facade of the Georgian Parliament building, together with the Georgian flag, as it was last year. The place of Georgia is in the European Union, and the place of the symbol of the European Union is next to the flag of Georgia!" - reads the letter signed by the following deputies: Ana Natsvlishvili, Teona Akubardia, Khatia Dekanoidze, Khatuna Samnidze, Tamar Kordzaia, Tinatin Bokuchava, Ana Buchukuri, Davit Usupashvili, Salome Samadashvili. Davit Bakradze, Roman Gotsiridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Paata Manjgaladze, Armaz Akhvlediani, Shalva Shavgulidze, Beka Liluashvili, Tariel Nakaidze, Tamar Charkviani, Nikoloz Machutadze, Nato Chkheidze, Rostom Chkheidze, Bachuki Kardava, Ketevan Turazashvili, Alexander Elisashvili, Levan Bezhashvili, Giorgi Botkeli and Teimuraz Janashia.

The letter was disseminated by Lelo party.

source: IPN