“The ball is entirely on NATO’s field. We have been waiting a long time to understand what this ‘open door’ means. If an open door means we must stand there endlessly, there is a risk that a person standing in the open door, exposed to a two-sided wind, will catch a cold or encounter trouble. The same applies to the state, which may face increased risks in such circumstances,” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili told journalists.

According to Papuashvili, “the problem today is with NATO; it is not making a decision.”

“For a long time, we have said that the ball is entirely on NATO’s field. We have been waiting for an answer: after all, what does this ‘open door’ mean? Eduard Shevardnadze already asked this question: ‘What does an open door mean?’ If it means we must stand there endlessly, then there is a risk that a person standing in the open door, exposed to a two-sided wind, will catch a cold or face other problems. The same applies to the state, which may face increased risks. Unfortunately, we see statements indicating that there is no consensus regarding enlargement. At the same time, we see direct statements, for example regarding Ukraine, that it will inevitably become a NATO member, but where are the actions?

“First and foremost, we observe this in the example of the Ukrainian people. They have been shedding blood for over three years for their right to join NATO. They shed blood, yet the Ukrainian people are not given a proper response - whether yes or no. The purpose of their sacrifice should be clarified. This already resembles a moment when a carrot is dangling in front of someone; they must follow it, direct themselves toward it, yet can never reach it. It is crucial to have clear answers regarding these issues. Georgia has done everything possible for NATO membership, both institutionally and by participating in NATO operations, even when NATO members themselves were reluctant.

“The problem today is with NATO; it is not making a decision. The ball is entirely on its field. The problem is in Brussels, NATO headquarters is there,” Papuashvili said.