“By its actions, ‘Georgian Dream’ has so significantly deviated from the system of European values that it has destroyed any basis for dialogue. There are three magic words: laws, prisoners, elections. ‘Georgian Dream’ shows no willingness to reach a compromise in any of these areas, and thus, no political space is opened for negotiations,” said Valeri Chechelashvili, Head of Geopolitical Studies at the Strategic Analysis Center, during an appearance on PalitraNews’ program “Day’s Newsroom,” responding to Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement that European structures send dispatches to “Georgian Dream” instead of engaging in dialogue.

According to him, if “Georgian Dream” genuinely desires political dialogue with Europe, it could utilize the EU Ambassador to Georgia and Georgia’s Ambassador to Brussels to organize it.

“Confrontation with the West could lead to very serious complications in our position within the international relations system. The only solid guarantee of our territorial integrity and sovereignty is the high quality of our relations with the West, specifically the quality of strategic relations with the United States and Europe. With the U.S., we have a charter, which, unfortunately, has been suspended by the Americans. With Europe, we have candidate status and an Association Agreement, which is also largely suspended. Moreover, visa liberalization is now at risk. ‘Georgian Dream’s’ foreign policy is not consistent; it is erratic. Toward Russia, which clearly tells us that the results of 2008 will not be revisited—period—it continues a policy of concessions and softening. ‘Georgian Dream’ has taken no measures regarding the establishment of direct flights, railway connections, and so on. We are doing nothing to stop creeping occupation. There are abductions and murders of our citizens, and so forth. On the other hand, toward our partners, who consistently reiterate their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we continue to worsen relations with Europe and the U.S. while maintaining a policy of concessions toward Russia. How can such a policy bring any good to Georgia?!

In diplomacy, there is a time for statements and a time for actions. By its actions, ‘Georgian Dream’ has so far deviated from the system of European values that it has destroyed any basis for dialogue, and the EU clearly articulates this in its positions regarding Georgia. At the same time, there are channels for diplomatic relations. For a high-level or top-level political dialogue to take place, it must be prepared. For this, there is the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczyński, and Georgia’s Ambassador to Brussels. These channels could be used to prepare such a dialogue if ‘Georgian Dream’ genuinely desires it. We don’t see this because no steps have been taken in this regard. There are three magic words: laws, prisoners, elections. ‘Georgian Dream’ shows no willingness to reach a compromise in any of these areas, and thus, no political space is opened for negotiations.

As for comparing Brussels to the Soviet Union, Irakli Kobakhidze is a young man who has not lived in the Soviet Union as an adult citizen. Therefore, to better understand the difference between the Soviet Union and the European Union, he would do well to ask even his own father, Mr. Giorgi,” Valeri Chechelashvili stated.