“Not supporting Zurab Pololikashvili is yet another disgraceful act by Georgian Dream!” – This is how Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of Lelo – Strong Georgia, responded to the Georgian government’s withdrawal of Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

According to Khazaradze, “supporting your country’s representative on the international stage goes beyond party affiliation.”

“How dishonorable must you be to refuse to support a fellow Georgian for the top position in an international organization… It’s the same as refusing to applaud our successful singers on the world stage or failing to support our footballers in international arenas.

Not backing Zurab Pololikashvili is yet another disgraceful act by Georgian Dream!

I have nothing against the Arabs, but how can you replace a Georgian?!

Supporting your country’s representative on the international stage goes beyond party affiliation!” – Khazaradze wrote on Facebook.

For context: The Georgian government withdrew Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization.

As Interpressnews reports, the government’s administration stated that initially Pololikashvili’s candidacy had been submitted by the Georgian government but was later withdrawn by the government’s own decision.

Additionally, according to the same statement, Georgia will now support the candidate nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the role of UNWTO Secretary-General.

“Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization was submitted by the Government of Georgia; however, it was later withdrawn by the same government.

Claims that the candidacy was withdrawn due to any specific competing candidate are speculative.

We confirm that Georgia will support the candidate nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization,” – reads the statement released by the government administration.