Georgian Parliament Speaker accuses opposition of “undermining territorial integrity” through Euro-Atlantic integration

Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday accused the “radical wing” of the domestic opposition of participating in an alleged plan that would facilitate the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration “at the expense of its territorial integrity”. 

In his press comments, the official condemned the opposition for “panicking at any sign of progress toward reconciliation and unity” with communities in the Russian-occupied regions, amid pledges of the ruling Georgian Dream party to initiate “Constitutional amendments to prepare the country” for potential reintegration if it secured at least 113 seats in the 150-member Parliament in the October 26 general elections. 

The opposition panics at every step that shows a good prospect, at every statement where reconciliation and unification can be discussed”, Papuashvili said and alleged the opposition “seems willing to relinquish both Abkhazia and Tskhinvali [South Ossetia] regions in exchange for favourable promises related to integration with Europe”. 

The official claimed “this is not the way [of the GD administration] - our path is to unify the country and join the European Union with a united Georgia”. 

We see that similar ideas are already being introduced in Ukraine, where various experts and commentators are advising the country to relinquish Crimea and Donbas in favor of expanding its prospects in the Euro-Atlantic direction. The [Georgian] opposition share the narrative", Papuashvili claimed. 

The Parliament Speaker reaffirmed GD required the Constitutional majority as the outcome of the elections, as the opposition was expected to oppose its attempts for the country’s “peaceful reintegration”. 

In his comments, Papuashvili also addressed concerns over alleged external interference in Georgia's electoral process, which he claimed was “set to culminate in the coming days and weeks”. 

The clearer the historic defeat of the opposition becomes, the more aggressive the outside interference in our election process. This is undemocratic and contradicts international law”, Papuashvili said. 

The Parliament Speaker further expressed disappointment over the actions of “some Western political actors”, claiming they were “disregarding basic principles of international law by interfering in Georgia's internal affairs”. 

It is sad when we see this from the side of some political actors or various commentators from the West, who trample the basic principles of international law and interfere in the internal processes of the country”, Papuashvili noted. 

The official pledged the upcoming elections would serve as a “definitive judgment from the people for UNM and affiliated groups”, claiming “an opposition that lacks patriotism, faith, and respect for tradition will face defeat”.