President Salome Zourabichvili Hosts Reception for Tbilisi International Conference Participants
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili hosted a reception at the Orbeliani Palace for participants of the 8th Tbilisi International Conference, which is being held in Tbilisi on September 2-3. During her address, President Zourabichvili described the 2024 conference as occurring at a "decisive" and "existential" moment for Georgia and underscored the significance of the upcoming October 26 elections.
Zourabichvili criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party, stating that it has turned the nation's aspirations into a "nightmare" and moved Georgia away from its long-standing European goals. She emphasized that Georgia's historical desire to align with Europe has been a constant, as the country has always aspired to be independent from external empires, particularly its northern neighbor.
The President condemned the rhetoric of Georgian Dream Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili and the party's recent actions, including the proposed ban on opposing political parties and attempts to undermine the Constitutional Court's stance on "Foreign Agents" law affecting Georgia's European aspirations. She described these developments as "unacceptable" and contrary to the will of the Georgian people, who she believes reject the current authoritarian regime.
Zourabichvili called on Georgians to express their stance through the upcoming elections, stressing that the democratic process must reflect the people's will. She assured the attendees of her confidence in the Georgian people's decision and urged international partners to closely observe the election process.
Additionally, the President highlighted her collaboration with pro-European political parties on the Georgian Charter, which she sees as crucial for meeting EU recommendations and initiating negotiations similar to those of Ukraine and Moldova. She emphasized the need for the EU to start negotiations promptly and for the U.S. to support positive aspects of the MEGOBARI act.
Zourabichvili emphasized the importance of a stable and democratic Georgia for the future of the free world, stressing that developments in Ukraine and a secure Black Sea are vital for the Western world. She reaffirmed her commitment to leading Georgia towards its democratic and European aspirations with the support of international partners.
