Georgian officials resign: They disagree with suspension of European integration
Protests in Georgia (photo: Getty Images)
In Georgia, protests are taking place against the backdrop of the government's decision to suspend European integration. At the same time, a number of Georgian officials resigned because, like the people, they disagreed with this decision, according to Sova and "Georgia online".
In particular, more than 500 employees of the House of Justice signed a statement of disagreement with the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend the country's accession to the European Union.
The appeal states that the employees of this state institution have made a significant contribution to the process of European integration and visa liberalization, and the suspension of this process is “very painful” for them.
They emphasize that the suspension of European integration goes beyond political preferences.
“This clearly contradicts the Constitution of Georgia and the goal declared by the majority of citizens of our country. We believe that European and Euro-Atlantic integration is the only way to establish our security and sovereignty,” the signatories emphasized.
In response to the government's actions, Rati Tvalavadze, an employee of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia and a liaison officer for the United States and Britain in the Georgian Defense Forces, resigned from his post. In his statement, he emphasized that the Georgian Dream party had “betrayed the Constitution” by its actions.
Journalists Mariam Janelidze and Beka Paturashvili also resigned from the pro-government Rustavi2 TV channel. They explained their decision by the situation in the country, in particular, the use of force by the police against protesters and journalists over the past two days.
In addition, the Ambassador of Georgia to the Netherlands, David Solomonia, also resigned. He noted that he had spent most of his career in the Georgian diplomatic service working on European integration issues. In addition, the official also condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters.
“I have been strictly fulfilling my official duties as long as I believed that I could have at least the slightest influence on the course of the case. Today this hope has come to an end. I am leaving the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” he summarized.
Background
On November 28, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the Georgian government refuses to start negotiations on the country's accession to the European Union until the end of 2028. In addition, he said that the state refuses to accept any financial assistance from the EU. Against this background, people have been protesting in the country for several days in a row.
