Seven Georgian pro-western opposition parties have issued a joint statement condemning the Georgian Government’s enthusiastic support for Vladimir Putin’s decision to abolish visa requirements for Georgian citizens and resume direct flights. Girchi-More Freedom, Droa, Strategy Aghmashnebeli, Lelo for Georgia, UNM, European Georgia also said the move isolates the country internationally while also undermining Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future.
The undersigned parties also dispute the Georgian government's claim that Russia's decision to lift the visa and flight bans will benefit the Georgian economy, strengthen Georgian diaspora’s ties with the homeland. The signatories also point to the position of the US State Department, which has warned that companies operating at Georgian airports could face sanctions if the decision is implemented.
The signatories also recall the government's recent refusal to participate in NATO's international exercise 'Defender 2023' and the GD's attacks on the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which raise further concerns. The opposition parties claim GD “has launched the final stage of the change of Georgia’s foreign policy course and the establishment of Russian authoritarianism.”
The statement also recognizes that the country is "on the verge of international isolation and is left without allies with the enemy - Russia". The signatories also stressed that with the latest decision, "Georgia is openly opposing the Western policy of sanctions against Russia" and confronting Ukraine.
"Ivanishvili once again raises the question: Europe or Russia? Peace, prosperity and security in a united European family, or poverty, slavery and hopelessness with a defeated Russia?"
The parties also called on the Georgian people to denounce the government's collaboration with Russia and pledged to democratically change the current regime, guaranteeing the country's Western choice.
The statement is signed by: Girchi-More Freedom, Droa, Strategy Aghmashnebeli, Lelo for Georgia, UNM, European Georgia.
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