Georgia does not intend to strain relations with Ukraine for Saakashvili

The former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili’s appointment as the governor of Odessa in Ukraine has triggered negative responses from the current Georgian leadership.

In some cases the unfavorable comments are also targeted at the Ukrainian government.

The situation has raised a question concerning the future relationship between the Georgian and Ukrainian authorities.

However, the Georgian officials claim that Saakashvili’s new post will not affect the two countries partnership.

Majority MP Zviad Dzidziguri states that the Saakashvili’s advancement in Ukraine causes awkwardness among Georgia and Ukraine. However, the Georgian side does not intend to suspend supporting Ukraine for this reason.

Speaker of the Foreign Ministry Davit Kereselidze also stated that the new development would not strain Georgian-Ukrainian relations.

“Any type of worsening of relations is unimaginable. This was Ukraine’s sovereign right and we should respect it whether we like it or not…we should act based on the state interests first of all. We have always enjoyed friendly and close relations with Ukraine and we should keep the tie,” Kereselidze said, noting that currently Ukraine requires support and Georgia is ready to stand by it.

“We do not intend to send a protest note to Ukraine for Saakashvili’s appointment as the governor of Odessa,” Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili said.

Beruchashvili stated that some official visits are being planned to Ukraine, Minister of Culture’s visit among them. However, the minister did not give a clear response on the option of Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s departure to Ukraine.

As it appears Gharibashvili is not in a hurry to visit.

It is likely that on the one hand the current leadership is irritated by the appointment of former Georgian officials to high posts in Ukraine, and on the other hand they refrain from further irritating Russia.