Georgian Diplomats Decry Sharp Shift in Foreign Policy Direction

Georgian diplomats have issued a statement condemning the ruling party “Georgian Dream” for making a dramatic 180-degree turn in Georgia’s foreign policy course, which they argue is driving the country away from the EU.

According to reports by the SOVA project provided details of the statement, signed by 57 Georgian diplomats.

Among the signatories are former Foreign Minister David Bakradze, diplomatic representative Georgiy Bokeriya, former Ambassador Konstantin Gabashvili, former Minister Grigol Vashadze, former Ambassador Ivane Machavariani, and others.

The diplomats highlighted that “Georgian Dream” directly attacks Georgia’s main international partners – the USA and the European Union, weakening the country and contradicting national interests and the constitution.

“Our country has often faced crucial decision points, but never before has it been so clear and morally justified where the right path lies,” the diplomats stated.

“The cascade of decisions made by ‘Georgian Dream’ has unmistakably turned the country’s foreign policy course by 180 degrees.

“Today, the government of Georgia insists that it is not ready to join the European Union, adopting laws that directly contradict Georgia’s chosen course, the will of the overwhelming majority of the population, and international obligations. This separates us from the EU,” the statement read.

This comes at a time when the EU has opened its doors to Georgia for accession and has granted candidate status, with only 9 steps left before the start of accession negotiations, emphasised the diplomats.

“The path of European integration is clear, but ‘Georgian Dream’ deliberately deviates from this path,” they added.

The diplomats asserted that the only way to stop these changes is for all patriotically minded people to raise their voices, register their protest, and react to unjust laws or decisions.

The statement follows a massive demonstration in Tbilisi on Sunday evening against the draft law on “foreign agents,” which threatens Georgia’s Euro-integration and saw clashes with the police.

Earlier, on April 26th, a bipartisan group of US Senators sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Georgia, warning that if the newly introduced draft law on “foreign agents” becomes law, they will be forced to advocate for a change in US policy towards Georgia.

In response to US criticism of the law “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence,” the speaker of the Georgian parliament essentially accused the United States of “financing radicalisation and disinformation” through grant support to Georgian civil society organisations.

The draft law has currently been adopted in the first reading, and consideration in the second reading is expected to take place this week.

Main Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106028220

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