The News in Brief
Friday, July 28, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
President Zourabichvili Condemns Transfer of Sokhumi Airport to Russia and Calls for International Action
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, condemned the decision of the so-called Abkhazian Parliament to transfer the strategic facility, Sokhumi Airport, to Russia. She published the statement on Twitter.
"I strongly condemn and protest the decision by the so-called parliament of temporarily occupied Abkhazia to transfer strategic location - Sokhumi airport to Russia
The illegal act by Russia that requires a categorical and firm reaction of the international community!" wrote Zourabichvili.
The parliament of the de facto republic of Abkhazia supported the so-called agreement signed between Moscow and Sokhumi on June 16 by 30 votes to 2 (with one deputy abstaining). The ratification of the intergovernmental agreement opened the way for Russian companies (legal entities) to restore and manage Sokhumi Airport on preferential terms for 49 years.
Georgian Parliament Chairman Urges International Partners to Refrain from 'Russian-Style'
In a letter published on social media, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, urges those seeking friendship with Georgia to refrain from engaging in ongoing Russian-style propaganda targeting the country. The letter highlights concerns about disinformation campaigns following the arrest of Mikheil Saakashvili, emphasizing the need to address such challenges for modern democracies. Papuashvili calls for comprehensive responses and greater openness to uphold values and strengthen friendships.
"Disinformation and other hybrid warfare tactics are one of the main challenges for modern democracies and rule-of-law states. Therefore, we expect that everyone who wants to be friends with the Georgian people will distance themselves from the ongoing Russian-style propaganda against Georgia.
Under these conditions, it is surprising to find that current and former politicians and diplomats do not shy away from communicating with Russian-style disinformation campaign lobbyists.
Therefore, the obligation to explain now lies with all those organizations and individuals who, as it is evident from the registry of the US Department of Justice, cooperated with a private company producing a disinformation campaign against the Georgian people, instead of distancing themselves by giving them media platforms, making notes in resolutions, or using telephone communication," Papuashvili wrote.
President Zourabichvili Condemns Transfer of Sokhumi Airport to Russia and Calls for International Action
"I strongly condemn and protest the decision by the so-called parliament of temporarily occupied Abkhazia to transfer strategic location - Sokhumi airport to Russia
The illegal act by Russia that requires a categorical and firm reaction of the international community!" wrote Zourabichvili.
The parliament of the de facto republic of Abkhazia supported the so-called agreement signed between Moscow and Sokhumi on June 16 by 30 votes to 2 (with one deputy abstaining). The ratification of the intergovernmental agreement opened the way for Russian companies (legal entities) to restore and manage Sokhumi Airport on preferential terms for 49 years.
Georgian Parliament Chairman Urges International Partners to Refrain from 'Russian-Style'
"Disinformation and other hybrid warfare tactics are one of the main challenges for modern democracies and rule-of-law states. Therefore, we expect that everyone who wants to be friends with the Georgian people will distance themselves from the ongoing Russian-style propaganda against Georgia.
Under these conditions, it is surprising to find that current and former politicians and diplomats do not shy away from communicating with Russian-style disinformation campaign lobbyists.
Therefore, the obligation to explain now lies with all those organizations and individuals who, as it is evident from the registry of the US Department of Justice, cooperated with a private company producing a disinformation campaign against the Georgian people, instead of distancing themselves by giving them media platforms, making notes in resolutions, or using telephone communication," Papuashvili wrote.