The News in Brief
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
New British Ambassador Gareth Ward Takes Office in Georgia
Gareth Ward, the newly appointed British Ambassador to Georgia, presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili today. Ward succeeds Mark Clayton, who has served as ambassador since 2020.
The meeting highlighted the strong strategic partnership between the UK and Georgia, focusing on the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue, which encompasses political, defense, security, trade, and cultural ties. Darchiashvili expressed appreciation for the UK's steadfast support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Ward pledged to continue strengthening Georgian-British relations and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration.
"I look forward to strengthening Georgia-UK bilateral relations and enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Welcome to Georgia!" Darchiashvili wrote on X.
UNM Chair Criticizes Georgian Dream Over ICC Ruling
Tina Bokuchava, chairperson of the United National Movement, has criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party in light of a past ruling by the International Criminal Court of The Hague. According to Bokuchava, the ICC definitively determined that Russia initiated the war with Georgia and continues to occupy Georgian territories.
Bokuchava accused the Georgian Dream of exploiting fears to cling to power. "The government's persistent focus on this issue indicates their attempt to rewrite recent Georgian history with Russian narratives. They are echoing Putin's propaganda and using these false fears to maintain their grip on power," she said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections in October, Bokuchava expressed confidence that the Georgian people will make a well-informed decision. "After October 26, Georgia will have a government committed to addressing the country's real issues rather than distorting our history," Bokuchava added.
New British Ambassador Gareth Ward Takes Office in Georgia
The meeting highlighted the strong strategic partnership between the UK and Georgia, focusing on the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue, which encompasses political, defense, security, trade, and cultural ties. Darchiashvili expressed appreciation for the UK's steadfast support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Ward pledged to continue strengthening Georgian-British relations and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration.
"I look forward to strengthening Georgia-UK bilateral relations and enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Welcome to Georgia!" Darchiashvili wrote on X.
UNM Chair Criticizes Georgian Dream Over ICC Ruling
Bokuchava accused the Georgian Dream of exploiting fears to cling to power. "The government's persistent focus on this issue indicates their attempt to rewrite recent Georgian history with Russian narratives. They are echoing Putin's propaganda and using these false fears to maintain their grip on power," she said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections in October, Bokuchava expressed confidence that the Georgian people will make a well-informed decision. "After October 26, Georgia will have a government committed to addressing the country's real issues rather than distorting our history," Bokuchava added.