Nikoloz Metreveli: In St. Petersburg I told Mikhail Galuzin that the “3+3 format” is unacceptable under occupation - what matters is not where you go, but what you say; unlike rootless Western admirers, I defended my country
I am the first Georgian expert who publicly, during a discussion, directly told the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin that, given Georgia’s occupied territories, the “3+3 format” is unacceptable, said analyst Nikoloz Metreveli in an interview with InterpressNews, explaining his participation in the expert meeting held in St. Petersburg.
According to Metreveli, attempts to link his visit to coordination with “Georgian Dream” are “completely untrue.”
“I am the first Georgian expert who publicly, during a discussion-and this video is circulating from the St. Petersburg Economic Forum-directly told Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin that, when Georgia’s territory is occupied, the ‘3+3 format’ is unacceptable. It does not matter where you go; what matters is what you say and what position you express.
Unlike rootless Western admirers, I defended my country and its interests. I clearly stated to Galuzin the principled position that every Georgian has, and which is also reflected in the position of the Georgian authorities. I want to emphasize that I am a voter and supporter of ‘Georgian Dream’ and fully share its position, and I reaffirmed that again.
I was present as a Georgian expert, and I stated my position that we do not support this format at this stage. This is important,” Metreveli said.
He added that the St. Petersburg Economic Forum is an important annual event and that he held multiple meetings there beyond the panel discussion.
“I am a private citizen and not restricted in my travel. I go to China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and many other countries. Where I go is not important; what matters is what I say there. I said my position there. I am not interested in what others say,” he noted.
Metreveli also said he had no communication with the ruling party regarding the visit.
“I had no communication with ‘Georgian Dream’ about this matter, and I should not have had any. I am not restricted in my activities. I have friendly relations with some people, but we do not interfere in each other’s affairs,” he said.
When asked whether he achieved his goal through participation in the forum, Metreveli said: “I did what I had to do. I defended my country’s interests.”
