Statements by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has criticized Russia’s preparations to establish a permanent naval base in Abkhazia, stating that this poses a major threat not only to Georgia but to the security of the entire Black Sea region. Speaking at a press conference with local and international press members in the capital Tbilisi, Zurabishvili assessed Russia’s decision to establish a new base on the Black Sea coast in Abkhazia, which has unilaterally declared independence from Georgia.
Stating that Russia is carrying out preliminary work for the construction of this base in the Ochamchire port, Zurabishvili said, “The first steps are being taken for the Ochamchire Base. This is a serious problem not only for us, but for the security of the entire Black Sea region.”
Zurabishvili accused Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his government of not implementing an effective policy against the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, stressing that people living in these two regions should be granted Georgian citizenship. He added that the interest of those living in these regions towards Georgia and the opportunities it offers is increasing.
Azerbaijan-Armenia Assessment
Zurabishvili also responded to a question from the Anadolu Agency reporter about the possible effects of France’s continued arms supply to Armenia on the establishment of lasting peace in the South Caucasus and the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Stating that he did not want to directly comment on France sending arms to Armenia, Zurabishvili said, “I do not want to comment on another country’s policy.”
Noting that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has not yet ended, Zurabishvili said, “The end of this conflict is extremely important for Georgia.” Stressing that Georgia could make significant contributions to the negotiations between the two countries, he said, “We can create a platform and mechanism where negotiations can take place.”
Suspension of US Aid to Georgia
Zurabishvili also touched on the problems in relations with the United States and the European Union (EU) following the approval of the Georgian government’s “transparency of foreign influence” law. Criticizing the law, the President argued that the current government should not win the general elections to be held on October 26, and that a new government should restructure its relations with the West.
Zurabishvili stated that if the opposition is successful in the elections, a technocratic government will be formed, which will enable the country to take important steps towards democracy and EU integration. The President evaluated the decisions such as the suspension of the US administration’s $95 million aid to Georgia due to the “foreign influence law” that has caused controversy in the country, the cancellation of the joint US-Georgia military exercise and the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process, and stated that these decisions did not come as a surprise to him.
Stressing that the US is a country that provides aid to Georgia in many areas, Zurabishvili said, “I can understand such a response to the wrong policies of the Tbilisi government.” However, Zurabishvili stated that the restriction of aid to the Georgian army was incomprehensible, and said, “There are many aspects of this government that can be punished, but it is unacceptable to punish the Georgian army, which is the foundation of our state and defense.”
