Ilia Darchiashvili Condemns Ukraine's 'Incomprehensible' and 'Baseless' Decision, Asserts Friends Deserve Better Treatment
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, July 6, 2023
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, affirmed that Georgia's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast. They will continue to offer humanitarian aid, political support, and diplomatic efforts to assist Ukraine. Darchiashvili emphasized that regardless of any irresponsible behavior or decisions directed towards Georgia, the government's unwavering stance in supporting Ukraine will remain unchanged.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs clarified that the decision made by Ukraine regarding the former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, is baseless. He highlighted past instances of unfair treatment from certain Ukrainian politicians towards Georgia. According to Darchiashvili, despite this, Georgia has traditionally remained calm and maintains a friendly attitude.
Darchiashvili stated that they will not react to the decision and confirmed that the ambassador will return to Georgia in the near future. Darchiashvili emphasized the importance of clarifying the basis of the decision, asserting that it lacks foundation. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in various aspects and stated that no irresponsible attitude or decision can change their stance.
"The decision we heard from Ukraine was incomprehensible and baseless. Friends do not deserve such an attitude. Traditionally, we have encountered many cases where we heard an incomprehensible and unfair attitude towards Georgia from some Ukrainian politicians. We have traditionally remained calm. This is our attitude towards friendly people and the country. We will certainly have time in the future to discuss these issues in bilateral formats, but today, traditionally, we choose the position that we have expressed. We will not react to this. Accordingly, as we discussed, the ambassador will return to Georgia in the near future. Also, the basis that became the determinant of this incomprehensible decision is very important. We believe that everything is clear regarding the former president and all issues concerning how responsibly the state treats the rights of all prisoners, including Saakashvili. Accordingly, this issue itself is without foundation. As we heard, the decision was determined by this very issue.
Accordingly, we will continue to support the Ukrainian people and Ukraine to the best of our ability, as we have done so far. We have been actively helping Ukraine from a humanitarian, political, and diplomatic standpoint. This is our responsibility, our attitude, a dignified attitude toward our partner, and we will continue to do so. No irresponsible attitude or decision towards us can change this stance," Darchiashvili said.
On July 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an announcement stating that he will request the Georgian ambassador to depart from Ukraine within 48 hours. The purpose of this decision is to hold consultations in Tbilisi regarding the return of Mikheil Saakashvili to Ukraine. Zelensky expressed concerns that the Russian government is responsible for the alleged mistreatment and harm inflicted upon Mikheil Saakashvili by the Georgian authorities.
