Georgian PM reaffirms support for Ukraine, calls for diplomatic solution
The Georgian PM highlighted the role of diplomacy and negotiations in conflict resolution.
Photo: Prime Minister's press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has reaffirmed his support for the Ukrainian people and called for a diplomatic solution of the conflict, following Russia's recognition of the independence of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The Georgian PM highlighted the role of diplomacy and negotiations in conflict resolution, saying "Georgians know the price of war very well" in reference to the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia.
I would like to once again declare our support for our fellow nation and express solidarity with Ukraine. Obviously, what had happened is absolutely unacceptable.
Russia's recognition of the Ukrainian territories as independent states is absolutely unacceptable as it violates the principles of international law," he added.
Garibashvili said Georgia was not facing an immediate security threat, noting the government was monitoring developments in the wider region. Highlighting a need for a "realistic assessment" of the situation in Ukraine, the PM said his government would use "all available resources" to contribute to a de-escalation of the situation.
The whole international system is facing a big challenge. We are doing and will do the maximum of what our country is capable of," he noted.
The government head also said he had established good relations with regional leaders, before adding the developments around Ukraine would "have an effect on us [but also] on the whole international order".
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognise the independence of Ukrainian regions on February 21 follows a call by the Russia's Security Council on the president to do so, while the Russian State Duma unanimously supported the Communist Party's initiative to the Russian president to recognise the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.
The international community has condemned the decision of Russia, expressing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warning the Russian Federation of the “swift and firm response,” United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has condemned the beginning of the Russian military action on Ukraine earlier today, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing support for the country.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders earlier on Thursday, calling on the international community to make effective and firm steps to stop an escalation into a full-scale conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine are “something that we have to worry about” and a threat to Europe’s security, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili said on Tuesday while making parallels between the Kremlin’s recognition of the independence of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions and its steps against Georgia in 2008.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has recommended the staff of the Embassy of Georgia in Ukraine to evacuate their family members from Kyiv, the ministry told Interpressnews (IPN) agency on Tuesday.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the country’s foreign minister David Zalkaliani have condemned the recognition of the independence of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, has said the Georgian government will make decisions to safeguard the country’s security, amid the raised tensions between Russia and Ukraine on the latter’s border.
Derek Chollet, the Counselor of the US Department of State, expressed his support for Ukraine and Georgia amid the invasion of the former and occupation of the latter by Russia, in a conversation with Georgian foreign minister David Zalkaliani.
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has called on the international community to do everything possible to stop hostilities in Ukraine, in a statement following the beginning of Russia’s military action on Thursday.
The “radical” section of political opposition in Georgia is seeking to serve its own interest in the local discourse around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Monday while responding to “misinformation and pointless campaigns” in the country about the government’s positions on the conflict.
Manufacturing events and creating false narratives of genocide to justify greater use of military force is a "tactic" Russia has used before, including in Georgia in 2008, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday at a press briefing.