President Zourabichvili Criticizes Georgian Diplomats' Silence on National Diplomacy Day
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, November 4, 2024
In a strongly worded message released on Georgia's Day of Diplomacy, President Salome Zourabichvili criticized Georgian diplomats, accusing them of silence concerning shifts in Georgia's foreign policy. Zourabichvili, who established the Day of Diplomacy twenty years ago to honor Georgian diplomat and writer Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, expressed regret that the anniversary was marred by current diplomatic challenges.
"I can't congratulate you on Diplomacy Day!" Zourabichvili wrote. "Despite the fact that 20 years ago it was on my initiative that this important date was established, which is connected with the name and work of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, and we should celebrate such an anniversary with pride! No, can't, no desire to congratulate, no feeling of pride! It is embarrassing, to say the least, to mention him today, when the government is trampling the long-awaited European path, when the majority of diplomats meet the steps taken towards Russia with silence and do not protest."
Zourabichvili's comments emphasized her concerns over Georgian diplomacy's perceived passivity in the face of growing Russian influence and what she describes as a shift away from European integration. She accused Georgian ambassadors in key European capitals of "sitting in Brussels, Washington, and many other European capitals" without voicing objections or concerns. "If you don't dare to resign, you can't raise your voice, or express a different opinion, then what are you left with? Are you so afraid?! What peace, what dignity, what professionalism?"
The president's comment reflects her longstanding commitment to Georgia's European path, a sentiment that she argues is closely tied to Orbeliani's legacy. "Especially since Sulkhan-Saba is one of the main figures of our European aspirations. The European way, which we can reach only through diplomacy," she stated.
Zourabichvili also expressed alarm over Georgian diplomats' failure to advocate and protect the rights of Georgian citizens abroad, including the right to vote. She claimed diplomats have been "frozen, disappeared, hidden in embassies like in holes, no one heard their voice." She continued, "Peace is in danger when the country is not good at diplomacy! Freedom is in danger when those who serve the state are afraid of their own land!"
Zourabichvili accused diplomats of attempting to fade into obscurity out of fear. "But history will remember you. Don't mention Sulkhan-Saba; Mentioning him can't help you, and you're casting a shadow to his name!" she stated.
