Georgia stages military parade to mark Independence Day

Georgia is staging Wednesday a military parade on Rustavelli Avenue in Tbilisi to celebrate the Independence Day, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili announced a day before.

“The mood for tomorrow is festive, even though I am perfectly aware that 20% of Georgia’s territories are occupied, and these are the best territories. I realize that not all of our compatriots are in easy circumstances; however, we’ve reached the main goal – we have been keeping our statehood,” Saakashvili said yesterday. He added that on Wednesday a memorial to the victims of war against “the Russian occupation” will be installed at the Heroes Square.

The military parade in Tbilisi will stage more than 4,000 soldiers, 120 pieces of the military equipment, 12 helicopters and 6 airplanes, media said citing the Georgian Defense Ministry.

In addition to the parade, a range of festive and sport events will be held by the City Hall of Tbilisi. The festival will be followed by a large concert at the new Bridge over Kura. It is also reported that Boney M will perform at the concert.