Thirty-two years ago today, Georgia's population declared for the whole world to hear its support for the restoration of Georgia's independence. It was based on the results of the March 31 referendum that the Act of Independence was adopted by the Supreme Council on April 9, 1991.

This day has become exemplary in the contemporary history of Georgia in terms of civil unity as well. Held across the territory of our multiethnic country, the referendum saw our people, including our Abkhazian and Ossetian compatriots, support the idea of Georgia's independence.

Another reason why March 31 is so special is that today marks the 84th birthday anniversary of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the referendum's inspirer and a symbol of Georgia's fight for independence.

The March 31 referendum will remain in history as an event laying the solid foundation for building an independent, modern European state, for progress toward the goal uniting every generation of Georgians.

Irakli Garibashvili

Prime Minister of Georgia