Georgian FM calls for respect of Vienna Convention amid scandal involving German Ambassador

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday emphasised the importance of diplomats adhering to the Vienna Convention and avoiding scandals that could strain international relations, specifically referencing concerns involving the German Embassy.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili expressed hope that such issues would not impact Georgia-Germany relations.

“It is desirable that diplomats avoid scandals and adhere to the Vienna Convention. I hope such issues will not affect Georgia-Germany relations”, the FM said.

She underscored that diplomats were expected to follow the rules of their host country, noting that involvement in controversies could have implications for bilateral ties.

“In general, diplomats should follow the rules in their host country and adhere to the Vienna Convention. It is desirable that diplomats avoid getting involved in such scandals, which, naturally, can to some extent affect relations between countries. I hope that such issues will not impact the relations between Georgia and Germany”, Bochorishvili noted.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday criticised Peter Fischer, Germany’s Ambassador to the country, for renting an apartment from the family of Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of the opposition Lelo party, while openly supporting his political positions and raising concerns about his impartiality.

After four days of silence on the scandalous affair, Mamuka Khazaradze’s confession turned out to be no less scandalous. The opposition Lelo party leader confirmed that he had been concealing German funds from the state budget for nearly four years and avoiding tax payments, citing a “technical misunderstanding” as the reason.