Federalists’ Bokeria after UK embassy meeting: No surprise the free world wants to know what’s happening in Georgia
“It is no surprise that representatives of the free world are interested in what is happening inside our country, when Ivanishvili’s regime declares that it is acting against the free world and is banning citizens’ political choice,” said Giga Bokeria, one of the leaders of the Federalists party, after a meeting at the British Embassy.
He said what matters for Georgian citizens is not what happens to any particular party, but why Ivanishvili’s regime is doing this, why it is restricting citizens’ choice and why it distrusts everyone.
“The regime wants to keep enriching itself at the expense of Georgia’s security and future generations, and to hold on to power in the interests of Georgia’s enemies. So what is happening in Georgia now is not a question of political parties. It is a question of choice, and of the unprecedented distrust shown by the regime, by that man and his political nonentities, who grow richer by the day at the expense of Georgia’s future while clinging to power,” Bokeria said.
Asked how he saw Western support in this process, and whether the constitutional lawsuit had been discussed at the meeting, Bokeria said he never speaks on behalf of Georgia’s partners.
“I always see the support of the free world when Georgian society takes firm steps to defend its own interests, sovereignty and statehood, and that is Georgia’s task today. I am sure it will be so every time, even when we want more from the free world. It is in our national interest to have a state that is not infiltrated by the infrastructure of enemies such as Russia and the ayatollahs’ Iran, which is what Ivanishvili’s regime is doing. Our interest lies in shaping a state where power resides with the citizenry, not a single individual who treats his colleagues and the country at large like a bad owner treats his pets. We want a republic where citizens can earn their security through their own work and pursue happiness. That is our task, and the free world is our natural home,” Bokeria said.
The British Embassy in Georgia hosted a meeting with opposition leaders. According to available information, British Ambassador Gareth Ward, German Ambassador Barbara Voss and French Ambassador Olivier Courteaux attended it. Badri Japaridze (Lelo – Strong Georgia), Irakli Pavlenishvili (United National Movement), Giga Bokeria (Federalists) and Nika Gvaramia (Coalition for Change) presented the opposition.