“Mikheil Saakashvili, and we have consistently emphasised this, advocates for a peaceful means of struggle. Naturally, no one in this country, particularly its patriots, desires war or military conflict,” stated Irakli Pavlenishvili, a member of the United National Movement.

Pavlenishvili was asked to comment on a Facebook post by former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, in which Saakashvili writes: “The dictator has been killed, Iran is free, the people are celebrating. God, oh God, let me hear that sweet voice in my homeland.”

“It’s a misinterpretation, as if someone is advocating for war. Everyone has family members, relatives, and friends. Therefore, no one wishes for war; it’s simply human logic. Regarding Saakashvili’s post, the core message is straightforward: he desires the country to be liberated from autocratic rule, in the way he believes other nations have also gained freedom.

He discusses this point, not violence, especially not about the loss of lives. When making comparisons, it’s unnecessary to replicate the process unfolding elsewhere. The reason for such comparisons is clear: the abolition of dictatorship in our country. That is the only similarity. Mikheil Saakashvili and I have repeatedly stated that we favour a completely peaceful method of resistance. Of course, no one in this country, especially patriots, wants war or military action.

Those influenced by various disinformation campaigns may portray someone as bloodthirsty or violent. But those of us, including myself and many others in the United National Movement, understand very well that Saakashvili does not belong to the category of individuals seeking harm or violence for their country. I have often encountered these sentiments in my social media feeds, propagated by opposition activists or politicians. However, his true aim remains the liberation of our country from dictatorship or autocratic rule, nothing more,” Irakli Pavlenishvili concluded.