Khatia Dekanoidze Urges Access to Saakashvili for Public Defender of Ukraine and Examination by Polish Doctors
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 7, 2023
According to opposition MP Khatia Dekanoidze, Saakashvili is a citizen of Ukraine, and President Zelensky has both the right and obligation to protect his own citizens. Dekanoidze expressed concern about the current state of Georgia-Ukraine relations, highlighting that any previous requests made by Ukraine regarding the extradition of Saakashvili were disregarded.
Dekanoidze suggested that to improve relations between the two countries, it is important for the Public Defender of Ukraine to be granted the right to visit Saakashvili, and for Polish doctors to have the opportunity to examine him.
"Dialogue should be initiated with the Ukrainian authorities to find a joint solution regarding the transfer or treatment of Saakashvili. Failure to address this issue in a cooperative manner will further deteriorate the relationship between the two countries," stated Dekanoidze.
Furthermore, Dekanoidze emphasized that the current state of relations between Georgia and Ukraine is at its lowest point. This deterioration not only undermines Georgia's strategic interests but also hinders its prospects for a European future.
"We must not forget that President Zelensky and the state of Ukraine protect their own citizens. Saakashvili has only one citizenship, which is Ukrainian citizenship. Additionally, it would be beneficial if the Georgian authorities took humane steps that could genuinely improve relations with Ukraine. I cannot predict the stance of the Georgian government. To put an end to this political ordeal, a change in the leadership of Bidzina Ivanishvili's government is necessary. I do not expect the Georgian government to exhibit sound judgment or make efforts to improve relations with Ukraine. This situation originated in 2014 when the Georgian Dream party prioritized internal party conflicts over maintaining strong ties with the then-president and government of Ukraine.
I find it deeply concerning that diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Georgia, as well as their overall relations, have reached a critical point. The separation of Georgia and Ukraine is unthinkable and impossible. The initial step I propose to alleviate the current situation is to grant the Public Defender of Ukraine permission to meet with Mikheil Saakashvili. Following that, negotiations should commence on finding a humane and humanitarian resolution to the issue of Mikheil Saakashvili," stated Dekanoidze.
