Grigol Gegelia: The appointment of Giorgi Zurabashvili creates a sense of capitulation - at a time when Georgia’s relations with the European Union and the United States have effectively been ruined, we see that Kobakhidze is focused on warming relations with Russia
The appointment of Giorgi Zurabashvili evokes only one feeling: a sense of capitulation. At a time when Georgia’s strategic relations with the European Union and the United States have effectively been ruined, we see that Prime Minister Kobakhidze is focused on warming relations with Russia; consequently, he is pursuing a course—even in Batumi—that pleases Russia. This was stated by Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Affairs Secretary for the Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition.
According to Gegelia, both the appointment of Zurabashvili as the Prime Minister’s special representative and the consideration of a constitutional lawsuit aimed at banning five political parties constitute the fulfillment of a Russian directive.
"On the very same day that Kobakhidze presented Zurabashvili, he simultaneously initiated an unconstitutional legal challenge against five political parties—parties that represent the votes of a million Georgians. This represents the execution of a Russian agenda—carried out in both Batumi and Tbilisi—in perfect synchronization. At a time when Georgia’s strategic relations with the European Union and the United States have effectively collapsed, we see Prime Minister Kobakhidze focusing on warming relations with Russia; consequently, here in Batumi, he is pursuing a course that pleases Russia. This is not merely my political assessment; it is a fact. Yesterday, this fact was confirmed by a high-ranking Russian official, Zatulin, who once again praised the political course adopted by Kobakhidze—much in the same way that Zakharova praises him," stated Gegelia.
For context, Irakli Kobakhidze appointed Giorgi Zurabashvili as the Prime Minister of Georgia’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia. Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs and Relations with Compatriots, described this development as a step in the right direction.
