“We have always stated that we should hold talks with Russia but defend national interests. Our political force sees nothing unacceptable in that,” said Tata Khvedeliani, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

According to Khvedeliani, she sees no double standards in any country’s attempt to launch a dialogue with Russia.

“Any country’s attempt to launch a dialogue with Russia is welcome. I see no double standards in that. We welcome a dialogue launched in the interests of our country and people. This should be done taking into account the country’s interests and not as the ‘Dream’ does with its moves and decisions, putting the country in isolation and leaving Georgia face-to-face with the occupant country.

The government takes incorrect steps against the country’s interests to retain power. Take the Chorchana case as an example when they launched criminal proceeding agains former prime minister. This investigation served as the ground for the Ossetian occupation regime’s demand to remove the Chorchana checkpoint. This and many actions are harmful to Georgia’s interests.

That is why I say that the ‘Dream’ is anti-national government. As for the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the country’s context should be taken into consideration. Whether sanctions had to be imposed or not should have been considered in the specific situation at the time. There are cases, and there is reasonable doubt that the ‘Dream’ assists Russia in circumventing sanctions. This was not confirmed, but doubts remain.

The national government must act based on the country’s interests. Today, considering various steps taken by the government, we say that the ‘Dream’ is anti-national. The policy it pursues does not respond to the country’s interests,” she said.