Georgian Dream MPs sound-off on appointment of former Georgian officials to Ukraine’s government

The government of Georgia dislikes the fact that representatives of the former United National Movement (UNM) government have become high-ranking officials in Ukraine. Georgian officials even suggest that such developments may have a negative impact on the friendly relations between the two countries. The Georgian Dream and UNM are political rivals, but the parties should consider that international relations are more important than domestic political opposition.

Ukraine is a strategic partner to Georgia. The countries share the same economic and political interests despite whether the members of their cabinets have friendly relations or not.

Former President Mikheil Saakashvili who has been on the Chief Prosecutor’s wanted list for several months now, also joined the Ukrainian government, by taking the Head of the President’s International Adviser’s Council post.

Georgian Dream MP Zakaria Kutsnashvili commented on Saakashvili’s position in the Ukrainian government, saying that Petro Poroshenko’s decision was an “unfriendly gesture” towards Georgia.

Head of the Human Rights Parliamentary Committee Eka Beselia said that she is a great supporter of Ukraine but regrets that Poroshenko has made the wrong decision.

“I do not even know what advice Saakashvili can give to the Ukrainian President,” Beselia said.

Another MP from the Georgian Dream, Ani Mirotadze, believes having Saakashvili as an adviser is not only wrong, but it also undermines the national interests of Ukraine.

“Mikheil Saakashvili, Zurab Adeishvili, Eka Zghuladze and others cannot have an impact on Georgia-Ukrainian relations, as particular individuals do not identify the relationship between the states. The situation is a bit awkward maybe, but we believe President Poroshenko has his explanation and we will hear it,” Mirotadze said.

The official position of the Georgian government remains unchanged, and the countries will stay supportive and will continue to be strategic partners for one-another. However, Georgian politicians do not hide their dissatisfaction over the new composition of the Ukrainian government.