Vasil Maghlaperidze: We are filled with great sympathy towards Mzia Amaglobeli; this issue should be resolved through balance of humanity, forgiveness, justice

The centuries-old friendship and robust cooperation between Georgia and Armenia have now been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, stated Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili during a joint briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Botchorishvili emphasized that Armenia traditionally ranks among Georgia’s top ten trade partners, highlighting the strong tourism ties between the two nations. “It is a great honour to be in Yerevan on my first official visit as Foreign Minister. I sincerely thank Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for his hospitality. Exactly one year ago, Georgia and Armenia signed a strategic partnership declaration in Tbilisi. Our deep-rooted friendship and close cooperation are now framed within this strategic partnership, encompassing diverse areas of collaboration. Armenia remains one of Georgia’s key trade partners, and Armenian citizens rank third among the most frequent visitors to Georgia. Today, we explored avenues to enhance our cooperation in trade, economy, transport, tourism, education, and beyond. While our partnership is extensive, there is always room for growth. I am pleased that my colleague and I are firmly committed to further deepening our bilateral ties,” Botchorishvili stated. She also noted that the 14th session of the Armenia-Georgia Intergovernmental Economic Commission, co-chaired by both countries’ Prime Ministers, would take place in Yerevan—an opportunity to discuss high-level strategies for advancing multidimensional cooperation. “We value regular political dialogue. The intensity of our cooperation and the frequency of high-level visits are commendable. I am confident that I will continue to visit your beautiful country, just as I look forward to welcoming you to Georgia. During our discussions, we addressed regional developments and the crucial importance of peace and stability. Georgia remains committed to fostering lasting peace in the region, which is essential for the prosperity of the Caucasus. We hope the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations will yield a mutually acceptable outcome, laying the groundwork for lasting stability. Georgia has always been—and remains—ready to contribute to regional cooperation for the benefit of all. We also discussed the security challenges posed by Russia’s occupation of two Georgian regions, which has resulted in severe humanitarian, economic, and social consequences,” she added. Botchorishvili reaffirmed the steadfast support that both Georgia and Armenia extend to each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also extended an invitation to her Armenian counterpart to visit Tbilisi. “We had a detailed discussion on regional dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. We believe in joining efforts to address these challenges and advance mutually beneficial projects. Georgia welcomes Armenia’s strengthened engagement with the European Union and the United States,” she concluded.

“Mzia Amaglobeli’s offence was in no way related to journalistic activities; she was acting there as a party activist. Therefore, linking this incident to the media is pure speculation,” declared Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze speaking live on Imedi TV. According to the Head of Government, the police are one of the most respected state institutions in the eyes of the Georgian people, and Mzia Amaglobeli was deliberately attempting to undermine the reputation of this institution. “This is the Saakashvili scenario 2.0. You know how Saakashvili’s scenario ended in its time. He was on a hunger strike for months, on and off, but the state naturally took care of his health, just as it does for any prisoner’s health. This responsibility falls on the state as well. Of course, we wish everyone good health, and the state is accountable for the health of any prisoner. Regarding the incident itself, it began when Mzia Amaglobeli was placing stickers on police officers; she was subsequently arrested, and conditionally released, and as soon as she was free, she slapped a police officer in the face. Thus, her actions were in no way connected to journalistic endeavours; she was acting as a party activist. Therefore, any attempt to link this incident to the media is absolute speculation. When we speak of humanity, an action can be deemed humane if it is accompanied by remorse—in that case, one could talk about humanity. Otherwise, such an action can only be seen as a manifestation of inadequacy. Had these individuals come forward and simply stated that this lady behaved inappropriately and that one cannot insult a police officer, who is a representative of the state? You know that the police are one of the most respected institutions in the eyes of the Georgian people. She went out and demonstratively sought to tarnish the image of this state institution. This entire episode served no other purpose. She shows no remorse, neither does she nor her fellow party members from the ‘collective National Movement.’ At times like these, they talk about how a person is on a hunger strike and should therefore be released from prison,” stated the Prime Minister. Kobakhidze mentioned that he continually expresses readiness for dialogue on any issue, including the case of Mzia Amaglobeli. “We repeatedly, continuously express our readiness for dialogue. I can reaffirm now that we are ready. If anyone wishes to discuss any issue, whether publicly or privately, specifically regarding Mzia Amaglobeli, let them come—I’m set to meet tomorrow and discuss this matter. You probably recall that previously, at various times, whether concerning the law, elections, or these protests, I requested meetings in any location, in any format, both public and private discussions. Every request was rejected. I suggested specific individuals, including, if I am not mistaken when Shota Arveladze appeared on your broadcast and indicated that the government wasn’t engaging with those inclined toward protest. I invited him to bring anyone he wanted. They didn’t even show up to discuss the football stadium issue today, let alone political matters. What more could we discuss if they have questions or are interested in something? If anyone is avoiding discussion, it is precisely the protest participants because they understand that they are not right; the truth is not on their side. They simply are convinced that they must be ‘Natsi’ and must adhere rigidly to their established viewpoint. They are not ready for a discussion because they know the truth isn’t on their side. This is the sole reason. If anyone wants to talk in any format, whether publicly or privately, let them come and engage in conversation. Let’s discuss any issue,” noted the Prime Minister.

“Tea Tsulukiani’s decision was absolutely without alternative, and in this situation, our delegation will not continue working in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,” declared Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a broadcast on Imedi TV. According to the Head of Government, this decision in no way changes the situation in Georgia. “This decision shows that European bureaucracy is in quite a difficult state. This applies to both Brussels and Strasbourg. What we witnessed today is another manifestation of this injustice. More than injustice, it was an absolutely absurd decision. They approved our delegation, thereby recognizing the election results. At the same time, they stated that if elections are not held by April, they will cancel our delegation’s credentials. In other words, they recognize the election results but still want elections to be held simply because someone’s favourite political force, the collective National Movement, lost. Such absurd decisions show that European bureaucracy is in a dire state. However, this does not fundamentally change the situation for our country. The decision announced by Tea Tsulukiani on behalf of our delegation and team was crucial. This decision was absolutely without an alternative. In this situation, our delegation will not continue working in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, will cease its work, and the delegation will be withdrawn from the Parliamentary Assembly by the Georgian Parliament. If the attitude towards the Georgian people and our country changes, of course, we will return to PACE, but in the current situation we see today, there is absolutely no point in working there. This is a simple matter – this decision had no substantial significance for our country, though the absurdity of this decision is an aspect that deserves analysis,” stated the Prime Minister.

“Everywhere there is a radical opposition, there is work being done against the interests of the state; however, they will achieve no outcomes today or in the future,” stated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze live on Imedi TV. As the Head of Government highlighted, the opposition has been active behind the scenes, attempting to prevent the approval of the Georgian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. “You can see what the opposition has been doing—they were roaming the hallways, working to ensure that our country’s delegation would not be approved. They ultimately did not achieve that result, as a decision was made to approve the delegation’s credentials as planned, which was their primary goal. They did not reach their target but created a kind of intermediate effect in the form of a resolution. Everywhere there is radical opposition, there is work being done against the state interests. However, they accomplished nothing today and will achieve nothing in the future,” Irakli Kobakhidze concluded.

“Even though our credentials have been approved, by the joint decision of the Georgian Dream team, we will quit our work in the CoE Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) effective today,” stated Tea Tsulukiani, member of the parliamentary majority and Head of the Georgian delegation to the PACE. As Tsulukiani noted, “Accepting a condition regarding the delegation’s credentials would be tantamount to betraying the vast majority of Georgian Dream voters and society.”“For several days, there has been a debate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe about whether our parliamentary delegation’s credentials should be granted or not. Many individuals, particularly our anti-state opposition and members of non-governmental organisations, opposed the acknowledgement of the new Georgian Parliament delegation’s credentials. This plan failed at both the committee hearing and the plenary session, with just 43 of the assembly’s 306 members voting to deny the Georgian delegation’s credentials. As a result, the credentials of the new Georgian parliament delegation were approved after a final vote a few minutes ago. However, the document recognising credentials is accompanied by conditions.  A number of conditions are unacceptable to us since they are unjust and unfounded. Furthermore, the first condition is totally unacceptable since it exceeds the authority of this assembly, violates our country’s sovereignty, and disregards the will and realities of over 1,120,000 voters. Accepting this condition would be a betrayal of our voters, and by extension, the great majority of our society. Based on everything said above, we, the members of the Georgian Parliamentary Delegation in Strasbourg and Tbilisi, have debated and, by a collective decision of the Georgian Dream team, are quitting our work in the Parliamentary Assembly beginning today. We believe that as long as the completely unjust and unfounded blackmail against the Georgian people’s elected government continues, no importance is placed on evidence and facts, discussions are biased and marked by an insulting attitude towards our country’s population, our parliamentary delegation’s participation in the Assembly has no meaning or justification. Georgia, as a state, is still a member of the Council of Europe. And members of our parliamentary delegation will return to the Parliamentary Assembly only after the unjust attitude towards the Georgian state and people changes, the blackmail ceases, and every official and unofficial decision-maker, as well as the forces behind them, understand that such pressure will not cause the government elected by Georgia and its people to take any anti-Georgian actions. Thank you very much for your support and attention; we felt the support of each of you from Tbilisi,” Tsulukiani stated. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has approved a resolution on Georgia, granting limited credentials to the Georgian delegation til April. The resolution outlines several conditions that Georgian authorities must satisfy by April, among them “the release of political prisoners and the announcement of new elections.” If the criteria are not satisfied, Assembly members will have the opportunity to challenge the Georgian delegation’s credentials in April.