Zviad Gamsakhurdia would be 80 years old today. The first president of independent Georgia was born on March 31, 1939. He was one of the leaders of the national liberation movement. His name is associated with restoration of Georgia"s independence.
At the first session of November 14, 1990, Georgia Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected chairman of the newly elected Supreme Council of the Republic. At the same session, the country was called "Republic of Georgia" and restored were state attributes of the Democratic Republic of Georgia - flag, coat of arms and anthem. Later on April 9, 1991, on the basis of the results of the Universal People"s Referendum of 31 March 1991, the Supreme Council declared the independence of Georgia.
Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected president of Georgia in spring 1991 and was expelled from the country as a result of military coup in early 1992.The first president of Georgia was killed in the village of Khibula in Khobi district on 31 December 1993.