Coalition for Change's Japaridze: Soldiers must defy Russian government
Coalition for Change's Japaridze: Soldiers must defy Russian government

“The army doesn’t mean they should be in slavish obedience to any regime; the army exists to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests. I share the same opinion as Mamuka Khazaradze,” stated Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change.

Japaridze was asked about the Facebook post by Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the Strong Georgia coalition, who addressed the Georgian army, stating that “they should not obey the so-called new president and should refuse to participate in the inauguration.”

“Not only after December 29 but also on December 29 at the inauguration, traditionally this is how it happens – taking the oath and bringing out the army. Yes, the army doesn’t mean they should be in slavish obedience to any regime. The army exists to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests. When you have a Russian government, yes, it is the duty of any military personnel to first and foremost not obey it. I share the same opinion as Mamuka in this case,” noted Zurab Japaridze.

When asked whether the situation would escalate if the army disobeyed, Japaridze said, “It’s not a simple reality and disobedience from the army would be the right step.”

“Does Mamuka’s statement anywhere say to bring out tanks? Disobedience is disobedience. It’s not a simple process, and we’re not in a simple reality. Russians are imposing themselves on us, so it’s not a simple reality, and disobedience from the army would be the right step. Yes, I absolutely agree with Mamuka,” stated Zurab Japaridze.