Georgian Parliament official reaffirms Georgia’s uncompromising stance over Russia, stating that diplomatic, political ties remain off table until deoccupation occurs

Nikoloz Samkharadze, the chair of the foreign relations committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Saturday reaffirmed Georgia’s uncompromising stance regarding Russia, stating that diplomatic and political ties remain off the table until deoccupation occurs.

Speaking on Imedi TV show Open Air - Debates, Samkharadze noted that Georgia’s stance toward Russia remained unchanged and firmly tied to the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity.

“We have a principled position toward everyone. We also have a very principled position toward Russia, and everyone knows this position - including Moscow. Until our territorial integrity is recognised and Russian troops are withdrawn, we will have neither diplomatic nor political relations”, he said.

The official criticised statements by some European representatives suggesting that Russia was gaining influence in Georgia or that the Georgian government was pro-Russian.

“We also have a principled position toward the European Union and its specific representatives. When they say that Russia is winning in Georgia, that Georgia has a pro-Russian government, that Georgia is on Russia’s side in the war, and other similar nonsense - yes, we will say it openly and quote them. They are in such a state that they should start drinking. We will say the same about Medvedev and about everyone else, because such nonsense should not be said. Saying that Russia is winning in Georgia is a crime”, Samkharadze noted.

He further stressed that Georgia must respond openly to such accusations and defend its national interests without concern about whether such responses might offend international partners.

“We must be principled and defend our principled position with everyone, because we are a state - an independent country. If anyone undermines this independence and sovereignty, we must be principled. We should not worry about whether someone will be offended or whether relations will deteriorate”, the official said.

“When they realise that you have a vassal or servile mentality, they will attack you even more”, Samkharadze concluded.