Georgian Parliament official: dialogue has no alternative in Georgia-Ukraine relations

Rati Ionatamishvili, the chair of the human rights and civil integration committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Friday said that direct dialogue was the only viable path in Georgia-Ukraine relations, arguing that communication was preferable to external calls for Georgia’s involvement in the war.

Commenting on the recent meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers, Ionatamishvili noted that the initiative came from the Ukrainian side and was developing positively.

In his interview with Imedi TV, he highlighted Georgia’s consistent support for Ukraine since the beginning of the war while expressing regret over certain unfriendly steps taken by Kyiv in return.

“Our society knows very well that Georgia has always been right in its decisions. We remember specific facts, the number of resolutions through which we supported Ukraine. We were among the sponsors in the Hague Court in support of Ukraine against Russia”, he said.

“We also remember the humanitarian aid that Georgia sent to Ukraine, while in return we received truly unfriendly decisions from their side, including regarding the ambassador. We remember that ambassadors of all countries left Kyiv, while our embassy continued to function there. We also supported Ukrainian citizens in Georgia, including through educational, healthcare, and social programmes, etc”, Ionatamishvili continued.

The official expressed hope that direct talks would prove more productive than previous confrontational rhetoric.

“As for these meetings and communications, which already have a dynamic character, we know that the initiative came from the Ukrainian side, and in general dialogue has no alternative. It is always better to have direct conversations. I believe this is more beneficial than individual bureaucrats coming out and calling on Georgia to join the war, which will not happen”, he noted.

At the same time, Ionatamishvili criticised what he described as calls from certain external actors for Georgia to become involved in the war.

“We will not follow anyone’s will. It is good that this rhetoric is no longer heard. Instead, we see a willingness for meetings. These meetings have their own dynamic, and of course, this can also be assessed positively”, Ionatamishvili concluded.