PM rejects media “misinterpretation” of comments on Georgian volunteers in Ukraine being affiliated with opposition
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday said “this [loss of volunteers’ lives] is a tragedy, a great loss, and we all feel it”. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday rejected as “lies” the reports by “certain media outlets” who had “misinterpreted” his remarks on all Georgian volunteers in Ukraine as being affiliated with the United National Movement domestic opposition party.
In comments to media, the Head of the Government stressed “concrete volunteers”, like Mamuka Mamulashvili, were “closely connected with the UNM and big supporters of [former President Mikheil] Saakashvili”, while others were former servicemembers, law enforcement officers and “ordinary citizens” fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict “due to their beliefs, [patriotic] spirit and idealistic attitudes”.
This individual [in reference to Mamulashvili], whose sister was an UNM MP, is participating in online conferences [from the battlefield]. It is my understanding [that] if one fights, they should be fighting without political engagement. I do not understand such style [or behaviour]”, Garibashvili said.
The PM again sent his “sincere condolences” to the 33 Georgian volunteers killed in the conflict since March, and pointed out his office was doing its “utmost” to ensure repatriation of deceased volunteers and their burial with military honours.
This [loss of volunteers’ lives] is a tragedy, a great loss, and we all feel it. I want to ask everyone - including the most radical, degraded, immoral opposition - to stop speculating about the death of individuals, especially those in the war. It is completely immoral and hypocritical”, Garibashvili said.
“I want to wish all our citizens fighting in Ukraine today - regardless of their political beliefs - good health and a peaceful return to the homeland. it is my sincere wish”, he noted.
Recalling his time as the country’s Interior and Defence Minister, Garibashvili highlighted “everyone knows my [special] attitude and respect to both acting and retired servicemembers and law enforcement officers”.
Ilia II, the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia’s Orthodox Church, on Wednesday sent his condolences to the families and relatives of Georgian volunteers killed in combat action near the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on Saturday.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday accused the “radical” wing of the domestic opposition of “immoral populism and hypocrisy” over the topic of the deaths of Georgian volunteers in the war in Ukraine.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday sent his condolences on the deaths of Georgian volunteers in Ukraine over the recent days, calling the reported events a “tragedy for us”.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday sent his condolences over the recent death of six Georgian volunteers in Ukraine, with five of them killed near the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on Saturday amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling it a “great loss for our country”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday said the country would “never get involved” in the ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing the policy as “our clear position”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday said he stood with Georgia as a “defender” of the country’s interests and he would always be, as it has been an obligation of all Georgian citizens to “think about the country”.
Two Georgian volunteers were killed in combat action against Russian troops in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on Tuesday, the Georgian Foreign Ministry has confirmed.