Georgian Parliament official sees German Ambassador’s recall as chance for rethinking, reviving future cooperation

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration, on Monday expressed cautious optimism that the recall of German Ambassador Peter Fischer would be an opportunity for reconsideration and further renewal of relations between Georgia and Germany.

In his interview with Imed TV, Makhashvili noted that the recall of the German Ambassador was preceded by several facts, and Georgian citizens would decide whether this was a sign of protest or a serious process of reconsideration.

“This saga was preceded by the fact that the German Ambassador had unfortunately been involved in the process of encouraging radicalization for months. He was encouraging the groups that were involved in this process. This did not go unnoticed by the largest political party [AfD] in Germany. An inquiry is also underway and the fact is that after all this, the Ambassador has been recalled. At one time, the Ambassador of one of the countries also retired without saying anything. The processes are not going well, this gives us the expectation that there is some rethinking in the German Government”, Makhashvili said.

“Further steps will show us everything, so we express cautious optimism. We hope this is an opportunity for reconsideration and further renewal of relations. What is clear is that 35 years ago, one of the Georgians demolished the Berlin Wall in Germany, and 35 years later, the German Ambassador decided to build the Berlin Wall in Georgia and separate the Georgian citizens”, he continued.

Makhashvili also noted that the Georgian Ambassador would begin his work in Berlin in the near future, and expressed hope that there would be a new impetus to reboot relations, as “good bilateral relations are in the interest of both countries”.

The German Foreign Ministry has recalled its Ambassador to Georgia for consultations.