President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili is visiting Italy, in an unofficial format but President of Georgia held meetings with representatives of Italian government. After meeting President of Georgia in Rome Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy spoke about strengthening Georgian-Italian trade relations and simplifying visa regime between two countries.

"Georgia is a strategic partner of European Union and it will make a decision that Georgia will become associated member of EU till the end of this year", noted Franco Fratini.

Head of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Janfranko Fini stated that Italy supports Georgia's territorial integrity.

"It is good to have relations with such a big country as Russia, but it is important to adhere to international conventions and obligations that are active between states. Italy supports Georgia's territorial integrity and condemns the occupation of its territories".

Mikheil Saakashvili spoke about the importance of Italy's support and stated that Georgia will do everything to become EU member.

The Deputy of the Italian Parliament Paolo Gucanti expressed his wish to meet Georgian President; Paolo Gucanti was a member of Silvio Berlusconi's Party but because of Berlusconi's pro-Russian position during August war he left the ruling party and moved to opposition. As he said the Majority of the political forces condemns Russian aggression and Italian government will always recognize Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A presentation of Raphael Gluksman's book about Mikheil Saakashvili was held in Italy. The title of the book is "I speak to you about freedom" and it concerns the Russian aggression in August and the struggle of young government for democracy, freedom and obtaining its personal place in the European family.

"I was in Georgia during August war and I saw the injustice and aggression of the 21 century against this country. There appeared a desire to pass the truth to as many people as possible", noted the French writer during the presentation. The ceremony was held in the Municipality of Rome in the hall of Protomoteka, which symbolizes Italy and the Mayor of Rome opened it. Among the guests there were various politicians and the representatives of the society.

"It is great honor for us to host such a meeting. In the name of Rome Commune we assert our support. We know that you are a very charismatic leader who struggles for democracy", noted the mayor of Rome.

President of Georgia addressed the audience.

"We always struggle for democracy. The most important is the fact that the young generation evaluates the existing situation. We will try to use international support at most to restore territorial integrity of Georgia.

Later the presentation of the book was held in Milan as well.

The Independence Day of Georgia was celebrated in Vatican, Georgian Embassy. The official guests together with Mikheil Saakashvili attended this celebration.

Press Office
of the President of Georgia