President Zourabichvili: Georgia's Foreign Policy Unsettled Under Current Government
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 24, 2024
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has stated that the country's foreign policy remains unresolved as long as the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is in power. In a recent interview with Formula, she emphasized the need for a change in leadership to achieve any meaningful settlement in foreign relations.
Zourabichvili declared, "It will be settled when the new government comes, the representatives of the European Union from Brussels or here say very clearly that there will be no settlement under the conditions of this government and against the background of the rhetoric and decisions of this government." She highlighted the challenges posed by a backdrop of "Russian law, offshore law, and discriminatory policy."
The President also commented on recent statements by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, who suggested he does not anticipate additional sanctions and plans to meet with the U.S. ambassador following the elections. Zourabichvili interpreted Ivanishvili's remarks as an attempt to reassure his party members concerned about potential sanctions. She argued, "I think this calming down is vain, because nothing depends on him."
Criticizing Ivanishvili's relationship with Russia, Zourabichvili stated that he has "done everything" for Moscow without receiving anything in return. She noted, "Yes, he obeyed in all directions, the Russian law and some things that were asked and when they asked, he did everything, but in reality, they did nothing for him."
She mentioned that Moscow had effectively shut down discussions on the issues of Abkhazia and South Ossetia for Ivanishvili. According to her, "Every regime that is ending in Georgia, which has a problem, tries to survive using this topic, which is wrong."
Zourabichvili concluded by emphasizing that the future of Georgia should be determined by its people, free from the fears of the current leadership. She urged for a rational and peaceful approach, stating, "We should decide our future in a sane, calm, peaceful manner."
