Putin told several Western leaders, “I want Saakashvili’s head.” If they want my head, for me it’s more funny than troubling. - Mikheil Saakashvili

Look, the rift with Russia is not connected to Georgia. It is connected to values. Russia has become very authoritarian. It doesn’t accept free speech or real elections anymore.

Georgia is the country of unique culture. We are not only old Europeans, we are the very first Europeans, and therefore Georgia holds special place in European civilization. Georgia should serve as a paragon for democracy where all citizens are equal before the law, where every citizen will have an equal opportunity for the pursuit of success and realization of his or her possibilities. Georgia should become and will become a homeland for independent, educated and proud people.

Our steady course is towards European integration. It is time Europe finally saw and valued Georgia and took steps towards us.