The EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell announced the end of his tenure on July 20, after four years of active engagement in the development of EU-Georgia relations, strengthening Georgia’s democratic institutions, civil society, promoting economic projects and more. His role was instrumental in reaching the EU-brokered Agreement between Government and opposition, so-called Charles Michelle document on April 19, 2021, which was abandoned by the ruling part several months later.
Still, being an energetic player in the state-led anti-Western campaign, unprecedented since independence, ruling Georgian Dream party Chairperson, Irakli Kobakhidze summarized the Ambassadorship of Mr Hartzell with the following:
“Today, as he completed his mission, it can be safely said that, unfortunately, Carl Hartzell played only a negative role in the relations between the European Union and Georgia. This is a very sad event. We really hope that the next ambassador will act differently.”
In contrast to the GD rhetoric, 22 leading CSOs express their gratitude to the Ambassador Hartzell, while pointing out to the threats that the policies of the Government of Georgia are posing the national interests and future of Georgia.
"The period of your stay in Georgia coincided with tragic and historical events, both in Georgia and Ukraine. We appreciate and are grateful for the support that our country has always received in order to achieve the main foreign policy goal of Georgia - to return to the family of European nations and to end the occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region by Russia, and we are especially grateful for the constant and unwavering support you have shown for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our homeland.
We appreciate your involvement in carrying out all the reforms that will bring Georgia and the European Union closer, and which are necessary to improve the life of every citizen of our country. You were personally involved in a number of projects aimed at increasing the well-being of Georgian citizens - be it tourism support, the development of the agricultural sector, or the introduction of the best European experience.
We would especially like to emphasize your personal contribution to the Charles Michel Agreement and the achievement of Georgia's European perspective - unfortunately, the political class of Georgia did not properly assess the importance of the involvement of the European Union, but in the future this agreement will become the cornerstone of a better Georgian, European democracy.
You did everything for the European future of Georgia, during your stay in Georgia you treated the Georgian culture with great respect and awe, and you all remembered yourself by appreciating the work of our favorite composer, Gia Kancheli. We will always remember this respect and appreciation of Georgian culture, our pride.
We would like to emphasize that recent anti-European and anti-American statements by the Georgian Dream, attacks on the ambassadors of Georgia's strategic allies and friendly countries, attempts to use foreign policy and the country's interests in the domestic political game harm the national interests of our country and pose a direct threat to the future of our country.
Nevertheless, the civil society will continue to protect the western future of our country and will do everything to achieve the main foreign policy goal of our country - to return to the family of European nations and to end the occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region by Russia.
We are sure that the friendship started in Georgia will continue in the future and you will remain a firm supporter of our country in the future. Thank you for the service rendered and the support that our country, citizens and civil society had from you personally," the letter says.
დახურვა