Georgian Parliament Speaker: Any comparison with Russia is “absolutely unacceptable”

Georgia’s “any comparison” with Russia is “absolutely unacceptable” from anyone, whether from a Georgian politician or a foreign diplomat, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on Saturday while responding to Public Broadcaster journalist’s questions on Western partners' criticism, including statements made by the US Embassy in Georgia over the controversial draft law on transparency of foreign influence, calling the bill “Russian law” and “inspired by Kremlin”.

Everyone, including ambassadors, “must understand” that the comparison of Georgia with the country [Russia] that has occupied its territories is “an insult” to the Georgian people, the Parliament Speaker noted and expressed hope in the future the diplomats would avoid comparing the country or its Government’s political initiatives with Russia.

Papuashvili also called on the diplomatic missions in Georgia and non-governmental organisations to respond to the facts of attack on the newly elected Public Defender Levan Ioseliani [during protests outside the Parliament against the transparency bill] and noted it was “regrettable” that they had not yet condemned the aggression towards the Public Defender.