Ruling Georgian Dream party official: Georgia refused to be used as pawn in global conflicts

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday commented on international developments following the recent meeting between the US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Responding to a journalist’s question about opening a “second front” in Georgia, Mdinaradze stated that the meeting showed the world that Ukraine had “unfortunately” been used as a “pawn” by external actors.

He emphasised that Georgia had not allowed itself to be used in a similar way.

He added that the Georgian Government resisted pressure both publicly and behind the scenes to involve the country in war. He argued that opposition forces in Georgia, which he described as “agent-driven”, fought against the Government’s stance on neutrality and peace.

“Today, Georgia is an independent state that makes decisions only based on the interests of its people. We are strong enough to say we will not take orders from others”, the ruling party official said.

He also accused opposition parties and certain media outlets of campaigning for Georgia’s involvement in the war, presenting the Government’s refusal to open a second front as proof of the country’s growing independence and strength.