Nana Kirtzkhalia -Trend, Tbilisi, Georgia, Nov. 5
The programme for the inauguration of the new Georgian president has been drawn up.
After the meeting of the State Commission for the Inauguration, events are to be held in four locations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maya Pandzhikidze told journalists on Monday.
In particular, in the courtyard of the Parliament, in Heroes' Square and at the Rustaveli Theatre where a gala concert will take place followed by an official reception for the guests.
"Georgia held truly European elections on October 27 and the inauguration must meet European standards. Even in large European countries the inauguration is often held in the parliament.
"In Tbilisi we do not have such an opportunity, so we chose the best option for the inauguration to be simple and most importantly, without spending a lot of money.
"That's why we decided to hold the inauguration in the courtyard of the parliament. This will help us to avoid an overlap of Rustaveli Avenue for a few days.
"Apart from this event which is bound to have a military component, the national anthem will be performed, the flag will be raised and other formalities will be carried out. A small ceremony will take place at Heroes' Square, where after taking the oath the Georgian President will honour those who died for the independence of their homeland. There will be a concert at Rustaveli Theatre with a reception for foreign guests. There will be no guest performer at the concert, everything will be done by our own efforts," Pandzhikidze said.
As for the military component, she said there will be no heavy armament, nor aircraft. Only ceremonial staff will be presented.
Regarding the guests, Pandzhikidze said invitations are being sent out to 70 countries. The Russian delegation is not invited to the inauguration as Georgia does not have diplomatic relations with this country. However Georgian Presidents Eduard Shevardnadze and Mikheil Saakashvili and the Georgian parliament in its entirety are invited to the inauguration.
The organisers expect the inauguration will take place from 13:00 to 18:00 on November 17.