Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday highlighted the support his Government had provided to Ukraine following the Russian invasion, in response to the criticism from President Salome Zourabichvili, who on Friday said the Government had “isolated itself and is trying to justify a supposedly balanced position”.
Garibashvili stressed his Government was acting “in accordance with national interests” of the country.
We joined many resolutions, more than 400 resolutions and statements [in support of Ukraine]. Now the Minister of Foreign Affairs is in New York - together with other European leaders, he participated in the United Nations General Assembly, gave a speech on behalf of our country, presented our position, once again clearly expressed solidarity, support and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”, Garibashvili said.
He added authorities of the country had pursued policies in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the goal of avoiding the seeing the opening of a “second front” of the war in the country, as well as related “provocations”.
On the backdrop of statements that are heard from political leaders of Ukraine, of course, government and authorities of any self-respecting country will act as they should act, as we act”, he said.
“We protect our country, the interests of our people, and at the same time, of course, we protect the interests of the Ukrainian people and show solidarity with them”, Garibashvili continued.
The PM stressed Ukrainians who had found themselves in Georgia since the breakout of the war were now living “in safety”, with the Georgian Government providing them with conditions that were “as comfortable as possible”.
Fortunately, thank God, we are the Government that has avoided the second front, provocations. If this [domestic] destructive opposition was in power, today Georgia, like a large part of the territory of Ukraine, would have turned into a shooting range. So let's all be calm [and] quiet. Let's mind our own business and take care of our country”, Garibashvili concluded.