“In general, encouraging violent groups and extremists from outside is nothing new to us; this is deeply serious and highly offensive,” said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze today, responding to questions about the Georgian delegation’s decision not to participate in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly session.

Kakha Kaladze emphasised that Georgia’s primary platform is its own land, its people, and their support.

“As for our platform, it is our country, our people, and their will. I believe there is nothing more precious or important than that. It is unthinkable to discuss anything, whether it be peace, national development, or economic progress, when representing the government without the backing and support of the people.

Regarding the encouragement of violent groups and extremists, this is nothing new for us. External forces, involving certain diplomats and a few ‘Akatsuki’ members, are actively promoting polarisation, violence, and extremism; this is extremely serious and deeply offensive. However, the people see everything, and they always respond appropriately through elections,” Kaladze stated.

For the context, Levan Makhashvili, Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, addressed a letter to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, explaining that the Georgian delegation chose to abstain from participating in the 12th plenary session in Yerevan. Makhashvili expressed concern that recent actions by the Assembly contradict the core principles and objectives outlined in its founding act and the joint declaration from the Prague Summit of the Eastern Partnership.