Georgian FM says “foreign interference”, “biased attitude”, “disrespect” “unacceptable” for Gov’t

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Monday said “foreign interference”, “biased attitude” and “disrespect” from the country’s international partners were “unacceptable” for the country’s Government.

Darchiashvili referred to recent comments made by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili regarding a visiting delegation of parliamentarians from  European Union member states, led by Lithuanian MP Žygimantas Pavilionis, to discuss alleged irregularities in the Georgian parliamentary elections held last month.

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The FM reiterated the Government “values its partnerships”, but added “these relations must be based on mutual respect, with an understanding of the challenges Georgia faces that have led to certain legal reforms”, in reference to the ruling party-introduced domestic law on the protection of family values and the law on transparency of foreign influence.

He added the Government remained “committed to constructive dialogue”, noting he was “confident” that “individuals who interfere in the internal affairs of the country in a kind of a blatant manner” would “realise this is not an acceptable form of relationship”.

He noted Georgia had a “number of foreign partners who are receptive to dialogue and open to listen to the country’s perspectives”.

Darchiashvili also expressed confidence that politicians making “unrealistic demands or claims” would “eventually recognise the need for a dialogue”.

The opposition has new ultimatums every day - it will be difficult for us to follow them in this dynamic. We would like everyone to think rationally”, he said.

Statelike thinking, actions based on the interests of our country are necessary for our country, and I am sure the politicians who today, in this artificially created conjuncture, make various types of demands or incomprehensible claims to our country [and] the Government, will sooner or later understand [this] and sit down at the dialogue table, which is necessary to implement useful policies for the country”, he said.

On the issue of recent legislative reforms, Darchiashvili pointed out the Government had “clearly outlined the necessity” of the laws, explained the specific needs and circumstances that prompted their adoption,  and communicated its positions “transparently to international partners”.

He also reaffirmed the Government’s “readiness to engage in discussions”, provided that these were based on “concrete and rational proposals”.

The official emphasised integration into the European Union remained as the Government’s “main foreign policy” , adding “every effort will be made to position the country as a valuable and worthy member of the European community”.