Georgian PM: EU Ambassador’s statements “unacceptable”, violate Vienna Convention

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday strongly criticised the conduct of foreign ambassadors in the country, alleging “total coordination” among them and claiming they were forced to violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

In his interview with the Georgian Public Broadcasting, Kobakhidze asserted that ambassadors in Georgia lacked independent resources and were merely executing instructions from their superiors, even if it meant compromising their core diplomatic principles.

“There is total coordination, and ambassadors have no room for discretion in the country - they do exactly what they are instructed to do. They are directly compelled to violate their main guiding document - the Vienna Convention, which is essentially a diplomatic bible”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze further highlighted the EU Ambassador’s situation as “entirely tragic”, emphasising that he was compelled to follow directives and risked his career if he refused to comply.

“I had a phone conversation with the EU Ambassador around ten days ago. I respect this person, but his situation is truly tragic. Just recall his statement about sanctions - that was a direct threat against the country and the Georgian people. When sanctions are mentioned, that can theoretically have a direct impact on citizens. Such a statement might be made by an EU Commissioner or another EU official, but not by an ambassador”, he pointed out.

“An ambassador’s sole mission is to foster good relations between their state - or in this case, a union of states - and the host country. Making such a politically charged statement just a week before elections, directly urging voters to vote against the ruling party, violates all diplomatic norms and, most importantly, the Vienna Convention”, the PM continued.

Kobakhidze further added that even basic diplomatic etiquette and status were disregarded, claiming that ambassadors say what they are told to say, and if they don’t, their careers may end.

“I express public respect toward Pawel Herczynski, but his statements are unacceptable. Leaving aside everything else, they grossly violate the Vienna Convention - the fundamental document for any ambassador. His case illustrates how diplomats are pressured to breach their core principles”, the PM concluded.