Last Wednesday Vano Khukunaishvili passed away after a long week of struggle for survival.

During his lifetime Vano Khukhunaishvili fought many battles. He stood at the forefront of Georgia’s national independence movement at the end of the 1980s and made his significant contribution to the restoration of Georgian statehood.

He also struggled hard to bring his country back to Europe. He actively searched for supporters at home and abroad, and has found many of them, including in Lithuania.

These bonds which were forged with Vano Khukhunaishvili’s help are still alive and will continue keep Georgia and Lithuania together.

Unfortunately, this last week’s battle turned out to be his last one.

Georgia lost a great man; Georgian parliament lost a great parliamentarian. And Lithuania lost a great friend.

We sorrow over this loss and express our deepest condolences to Vano Khukhunaishvili’s family, relatives, friends, and fellow partners.

Vano Khukhunaishvili will stay in our hearts and our memories.

Embassy of Lithuania

2010-01-28