Georgian Parliament Speaker: US Congressional staff delegation should hear what’s really happening in Georgia from primary source

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday addressed the media regarding the ongoing visit of a delegation composed of US Congressional staff members, emphasising the importance of the delegation receiving information “first-hand” rather than relying on figures he characterised as hostile to the country.

Responding to journalists’ questions about the purpose of the visit, the Speaker noted that the delegation consists of advisors to various members of Congress - often referred to as staffers. He welcomed the opportunity to present the Government's perspective on current developments in Georgia.

“We are always ready to speak regarding the issues that interest them. Naturally, these meetings will be less political in nature. Since they are advisors who will report back to the Congress members they serve, it is likely interesting for them to hear from the primary source about what is actually happening in Georgia, rather than hearing it from the likes of Laura Thornton and Eka Gigauri, who are distinguished by their hostile rhetoric toward Georgia”, the Speaker said.