Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has decided not to extend congratulations to Georgian ambassadors on Diplomacy Day. She shared the following message on social media, which we present unaltered:

“I cannot congratulate you on Diplomacy Day!

Although 20 years ago this significant date was established at my initiative, linked to the legacy of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani—an anniversary we should celebrate with pride—today feels quite different. Sulkhan-Saba represents one of the key figures in our European aspirations, a path we can only forge through diplomacy.

However, I find neither the desire to congratulate nor the sense of pride I should feel! It is uncomfortable to even mention his name when the government is trampling on that cherished European path, while most diplomats respond to steps toward Russia with silence and fail to speak out.

You, the muted ambassadors of Georgia, are stationed in Brussels, Washington, and numerous other European capitals—but for what purpose? If you lack the courage to resign, raise your voice, or express a different opinion, what remains for you? Are you truly that afraid?

What Sulkhan-Saba, what dignity, what professionalism? Peace is genuinely at risk when a country’s diplomacy falters. Our freedom is jeopardized when those entrusted to serve the state are paralyzed by fear. Independence is endangered when those who should be alerting our partners about Russia’s hybrid actions pretend not to see them, petrified and hidden in their embassies like moles. No one has heard your voice; you couldn’t even defend the constitutionally guaranteed right of emigrants to vote in elections, hiding away so that no one remembers your existence!

History will not forget you, so leave Sulkhan-Saba out of this! Mentioning his name will not absolve you; instead, you only cast a shadow on his legacy!” writes Salome Zourabichvili.