Today President Mikheil Saakashvili visited Racha (region, Western Georgia) to participate in the 110 anniversary of the Oni (regional center) Synagogue.
Addressing public the President spoke about issues related to development of Racha region, migration and unemployment. In particular, he spoke about problems in Racha related to Tskhinvali region. It is difficult to travel to Tbilisi from Racha as the shortest road, connecting Racha with the capital city goes through Samachablo (South Ossetia) and it has been impossible to use it for fifteen years already.

"I am not going to tolerate it, because those in the neighboring country who set up plans to divide Georgia, neither they know Georgia's geography, nor its history and culture. Our strength is not measured by millions or by comparing us to other bigger states - we are the nation that survived even worse dirty tricks," Mikheil Saakashvili said.

President also attended the opening of the monument of Murman Lebanidze, Racha-origin Georgian poet, and once again supported the decision to move another monument of David the Builder [in Tbilisi]. He quoted the poem after Murman Lebanidze, in which many years ago the author "located" the monument [of David the Builder].

From Oni President Saakashvili went to Ambrolauri region, Racha and attended the opening of new wine factory and a new football field. 

Together with the Italian Ambassador to Georgia and the mayor of Italian town of Magrelio, a twin town of Ambrolauri, President Saakashvili attended opening of a new park in the center of Ambrolauri named after the town of Magrelio.

At the end Mihkeil Saakashvili visited the tasting room of the Ambrolauri Wine Factory and tasted wine made of unique varieties of Rachian vine.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia