Georgian Gov’t maintains course to prevent Ukraine-style situation, says ruling party Sec Gen

Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday said Ukraine was facing an extremely difficult situation and expressed hope for peace for the Ukrainian people.

In his remarks, Kaladze noted that he would not wish the current situation in Ukraine even on an enemy.

“I would not wish anyone to be in the situation that Ukraine is in today. It is an extremely difficult situation. I want to wish peace to the Ukrainian people. Ukraine certainly did not deserve this”, the official said.

He further added that the Georgian government sympathizes with the Ukrainian people, however, its primary responsibility is to protect Georgia’s sovereignty and the interests of its citizens.

“Of course, our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people, but first of all we think about and care for our own country and people. Therefore, through our policies we must continue to do everything to protect Georgia, its sovereignty, and the interests of the Georgian people”, he continued.

He also added that the government’s policy aims to prevent Georgia from facing the kind of situation currently seen in Ukraine. Kaladze claimed that there had been pressure and calls for Georgia to open a “second front” and join sanctions, but the government maintained its course.

“Everything must be done to ensure that our country does not face the situation that exists in Ukraine today and toward which we were being urged, pressured, and threatened to move – including opening a second front and joining sanctions. With our correct policy, pragmatic vision, and the steps we have taken, we have maintained peace and protected the country’s interests”, Kaladze concluded.