Former British diplomat Ian Proud: Georgia faces huge pressure from Europe, but Gov't focused on prosperity, jobs

Former British diplomat and global crisis management expert Ian Proud on Tuesday praised the Georgian Dream Government’s focus on national welfare and job creation.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Proud highlighted that major changes were taking place globally and that “enormous pressure” was being exerted on Georgia from European countries and the European Union.

“I see the Georgian Dream Government as one that wants to focus on Georgia - how to improve prosperity and create additional jobs”, Proud said.

“I view Georgia as a country looking toward the future. It is a country that wants positive diplomatic and economic relations with the world, including Europe, keeping pace with global developments. Georgia is cooperating with China and other nations, which creates excellent opportunities. But above all, you need stability, which could easily be undermined by European pressure. Your government is trying to maintain positive relations with all countries for the benefit of Georgia”, he noted.

Proud further added that the West was pressuring Georgia to align exclusively with European countries, sanction Russia, and become involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He warned that such external demands could harm Georgia’s stability.