President Salome Zourabichvili's Explanation for Not Revoking Partskhaladze's Citizenship
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, September 25, 2023
After President Salome Zourabichvili declined to revoke the Georgian citizenship of Otar Partskhaladze, the former chief prosecutor who has been sanctioned by the United States, she issued a subsequent statement explaining her decision. Zourabichvili stated that her decision does not constitute a violation of the constitution or the citizenship law. She further clarified that she has a three-month window within which she can terminate Partskhaladze's citizenship but currently deems it inappropriate to do so at this time.
President Zourabichvili also stressed her awareness of both the legal and moral aspects of her decision. By not revoking Partskhaladze's citizenship, she intends to give state institutions the opportunity to address the issue within a reasonable timeframe to safeguard Georgia's reputation and interests. This decision holds particular importance in the context of determining Georgia's European future and countering what she referred to as a "Russian decision" made by the National Bank, which she believes is contrary to Georgia's interests and its path towards closer integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions.
"The President of Georgia does not violate either the constitution or the law. To eliminate any speculations, we would like to remind you of Article 26 of the Organic Law "On Georgian Citizenship," which stipulates that the consideration and decision of applications and submissions regarding Georgian citizenship should not exceed a period of three months.
Regarding the President's decision, she is fully aware of the legal and moral aspects of this issue. With this decision, the President provides state institutions with the opportunity to take measures within a reasonable time frame to protect the country's reputation and interests. This is especially crucial today, as the future of Georgia in Europe is being determined. It is important for the country to reverse the "Russian decision" made by the National Bank. Turning Georgia into a potential "black hole" serves the interests of only one country and directly contradicts the state's interests and our Euro-Atlantic path," wrote Zourabichvili.
