Georgia's new president confirms the country's course towards European integration

New Georgian President Mikhail Kavelashvili said on Monday, December 30, that Tbilisi aspires to become a full member of the European Union because it is a historical choice of the country's people.

The politician pointed to the large number of speculations on this issue both inside and outside the state.

"Unfortunately, such speculations serve to polarize our society, so it is our duty to counter these speculations with the truth, which is that Georgia has not turned anywhere from the course of European integration," Interfax quoted him as saying.

Kavelashvili said the country is ready to immediately start negotiations on EU membership. He also emphasized the importance of deepening relations with the United States, expressing hope for a full restoration of strategic partnership with the arrival of the new administration. In addition, the President noted the need for Georgia to continue its peaceful policy in the region and expressed his desire to unite the country through diplomatic means.

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The day before, the inauguration ceremony of the new President of Georgia was held. It was specified that Kavelashvili will assume his duties in the presidential residence of the country, despite the refusal of the previous Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili to leave it.

Zurabishvili did not accept the results and refused to leave office despite the completion of her term on December 29. On December 22, she threatened to "overthrow the regime" if a compromise on the parliamentary elections was not reached.