GD’s Matikashvili: Normalizing relations requires economic engagement, in full compliance with Georgian law

“How else do they imagine the normalization and restoration of relations if there is no change in economic interdependence, including the supply of certain products, of course, in full compliance with Georgian legislation?” Parliament’s Procedural Issues Committee Chair Davit Matikashvili said in response to a question about opposition statements regarding fuel supplies to occupied Abkhazia.

Matikashvili was specifically asked about claims that the fuel was intended for Russia and how he would respond to such speculation.

“This is a continuation of that shameful campaign aimed at creating problems for the Georgian Dream’s peaceful and reconciliation-oriented policy, which our government is pursuing with regard to restoring territorial integrity, including in relation to Abkhazia.

“How else do they imagine the normalization and restoration of relations if there is no change in economic interdependence, including the supply of certain products there, of course, in full compliance with Georgian legislation?

“What are we even talking about? Some three or four tons of gasoline, and they shamelessly engage in speculation, claiming that this is somehow supplying the Russian military machine. This statement is so absurd that I do not know whether they themselves believe it.

“It is crystal clear and can be seen with the naked eye what the purpose of all this is: to prevent reconciliation between Georgians and Abkhaz, to ignore our peaceful policy and drive it into a dead end,” Matikashvili said.