Today, together with the Georgian people, we remember the tragic events of 1989 and mark the restoration of independence on April 9, 1991, — the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes on social media.

“Together with the Georgian people, on the day of Georgia’s national unity, we remember the tragic events of 1989 and mark the restoration of independence on April 9, 1991. Lithuania pays tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of those people who fought and continue to fight for a democratic and European future,” the statement of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry reads.

For information: 37 years have passed since the tragedy of April 9, 1989. On the morning of April 9, 1989, units of the Soviet armed forces dispersed a peaceful protest rally in the center of Tbilisi, near the Parliament building, resulting in casualties.

As a result of the crackdown, 21 people were killed. Thousands of citizens gathered in front of the Parliament were poisoned with gas of unknown composition.

On April 9, 1991, the then Supreme Council declared the date as the Day of Restoration of Georgia’s State Independence.