Accent • English

30/11/2024

Georgian Institute of Politics: We condemn the use of physical violence against the population and urge GD to listen to the will of the Georgian people

Accent news

30/11/2024

🔴The Georgian government's harsh rhetoric, which goes beyond the framework of diplomacy towards partner countries, is increasing.

"It would be a great honor for the German Ambassador to Georgia [Peter Fischer ] to be recalled, therefore I do not think that we should make such a decision. In fact, Germany does not have an ambassador in Georgia today. This is the most appropriate status that befits the so-called ambassador in Georgia today," Georgian Prime Minister told Georgian journalists.

Accoding to opponents of the government, with such approaches the ruling team wants to portray that foreign diplomats are voicing their personal position, which is not true.

A spokesperson of the Federal Foreign Office ( ) told the that "the German ambassador in Tbilisi represents the position of the federal government – there can be no doubt about it."

"We reject any interference by Georgian parliamentary or government representatives in this regard. In addition: We note with growing concern the increasingly aggressive rhetoric from Georgian parliamentary and government representatives towards the EU and its member states. Germany and the EU will not accept the spread of false narratives regarding European positions and policies by the Georgian authorities," the spokesperson added.

As the spokesperson noted, "EU-Georgia relations are at stake" and once again called on the "the Georgian government to change its current course:"

"We reiterate our call on the Georgian government to change its current course. The scale and intensity of EU-Georgia relations and cooperation are at stake."

19/09/2024

🔴 "The statement made by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during his meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan is completely devoid of any political tact, political thinking, or political intelligence. It is the statement of a doomed man. This is a statement from a man who feels that he is doomed and can go to any lengths," - Georgian philosopher Zaza Piralishvili told the Accent.

➡️ On September 17 Kobakhidze warned the Ambassador that the U.S. had reached “critical limits” by imposing new sanctions on Georgians officials and individuals.

According to the Government Administration’s press release, PM Kobakhidze told the Ambassador that “the American side drew closer to critical limits, and that, should another decision of this kind be made, may call for essentially reconsidering Georgia’s position on Georgian-American relations.”

15/08/2024

⭕️ "Georgian diplomacy has transformed from a mere decoration to a caricature today!" - This is how Georgian diplomat and former Deputy Foreign Minister Gigi Gigiadze responds to the statement of Dmity Polyanskiy, Russia’s Charge d’Affaires to the United Nations.

On August 14 Polyanskiy quoted parts of the August 13 statement by Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, in which the GD framed the 2008 war as the culmination of effort of the United National Movement (UNM) administration to “bring Russian troops to Georgia” on “order from outside [of the country]:"

“The major part of Georgian society is rightfully questioning the adequacy of Saakashvili. But the fact is that in August 2008, the adventurous activities of Saakashvili were result of not only his psychic instability, but also instructions from outside and well-planned treason…To establish long-term peace and stability in our country, it is vitally important to us to organize public legal trial, for our society to learn once and for all who committed this treacherous crimes against our country and our people.”

Russian diplomat repeated it word by word during media stakeout as the UN Security Council, as the Council was still discussing the issue of Georgia.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs met this circumstance with silence.

11/08/2024

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said on Sunday that "it was disappointing that Gorgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhdze did not make any proposals about what he and his government want to do to improve relations with the US."

Accent news

09/08/2024

🔴 China - Georgia's strategic partner – has met the16th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war with silence.

Georgia's partner states began issuing supportive statements from August 7 - 16 years ago on this day the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Georgia.

The President of Georgia also received a letter from his American counterpart. However, Beijing, which Georgian government propaganda declares as the main "strategic partner" amid extremely strained relations with the West, has not made any comments so far.

Consequently, the Accent interested in the strategic partner's position on the gravest events that claimed the lives 170 employees of the Georgian Ministry of Defense, 14 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 228 civilians. The total number of wounded and injured civilians and military personnel is estimated at 2,232. The Accent contacted the Chinese Embassy, which left the media outlet's question unanswered.

This is not the first time when China prefers to remain silent on issues( including those related to Russia) important to Georgia.

The Russian occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali continues to this day.

09/08/2024

🔴 War Behind the Scenes: With Whose Help Did Tbilisi Win the Battle Against Moscow for Non-Recognition, and Is This Result at Risk?

💬 "[...] Africa is very diverse, as well as Asian countries - it's not so easy to establish relationships with them, and it's often difficult even within the UN framework. Due to certain historical connections, our partners are helping us build bridges of cooperation with them. Therefore, with the engagement of our partners - EU member countries and the US - I would say that we have largely won this battle at this stage, and hopefully, it will continue this way - Russia has not managed to create even a small group of countries that would recognize them [occupied territories of Georgia]. [...] Of course, Georgia alone could not overcome Russia's strong opposition. [...] I want to tell you about the case of Burkina Faso. There was talk about the possibility of initiating formal relations with the de facto government of occupied Abkhazia. With our active involvement (I was personally involved) and also with the involvement of the French government, an effective prevention took place."

💬"There were nuances in Latin American countries where Russian diplomacy was working, but after the engagement of the US they realized it was better not to touch this issue."

💬"We always need the engagement of our partners to continuously protect our statehood from such risks. If we enter into a conflict with our partners who establish the principles of democratic international law, we will become a de facto colony of Russia, whose fate is determined by Russia!"

💬"If we say that we choose Russia and authoritarianism, the West rejects us, we will lose support. Russia will activate its levers to strengthen the context of recognizing Georgia's regions in the same African, Latin American, and Arab states. And it will turn out that it's not the 'Georgian Dream' government that protects sovereignty, but the US protected it!"

Read More... bit.ly/3AqOad0

09/08/2024

⭕️ I am disappointed by the anti-democratic actions of the Georgian government, exemplified by the Kremlin-style "foreign agents" law and false statements by Georgian government officials, which are inconsistent with EU and NATO membership norms. Despite these steps, we remain loyal to the population of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, - this is stated in the letter sent by the President of the USA to the President of Georgia, which is distributed by Salome Zurabishvili on the social network.

The US President also speaks on the 16th anniversary of the occupation and explains that the United States remains a firm supporter of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

"Dear Madam President,

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the American people to pay tribute to the spirit of the Georgian people on the 16th anniversary of the Russian invasion and subsequent occupation of one-fifth of your country.

On this day, we remember the dead, injured and displaced people as a result of the brutal Russian invasion, and we also see the Kremlin's constant attempt to increase its dominance over the occupied regions at the expense of the local population. The United States remains a firm supporter of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

I would also like to mention the clear will of the Georgian people, which continues to express its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The United States welcomes the unwavering commitment of the people of Georgia to a democratic future, to which civil society contributes significantly by expressing diverse views and opinions. I am disappointed by the anti-democratic actions of the Georgian government, exemplified by the Kremlin-style "foreign agents" law and false statements by Georgian government officials, which are inconsistent with EU and NATO membership norms. Despite these steps, we remain committed to the population of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

During 32 years of bilateral relations, Georgia and the United States have been protecting peace, stability, freedom and human rights together. These common values ​​unite our countries, and I know that these values ​​will unite our peoples in the future as well," the letter states.

07/08/2024

🔴Paradox of "dignity" and silence: Why Tbilisi did not become part of the big deal

Read the interview with Kakhaber Kemoklidze

Accent news

14/07/2024

The global war party does not change methods. In the 21st century, liberal fascism, radicalism, polarization, hatred and bloody attacks on politicians have become commonplace in the US and Europe, - this is how the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, responds to the attack on the former US President, Donald Trump.

Kobakhidze wishes health and expresses solidarity to the former President of the USA, Donald Trump.

"The global war party does not change its methods. In the 21st century, liberal fascism, radicalism, polarization, hatred and bloody attacks on politicians have become commonplace in the US and Europe. I express my solidarity and wish Donald Trump good health," Kobakhidze wrote on Facebook.

13/07/2024

The United States is gravely concerned about the Georgian government's anti-democratic actions and disinformation put forth by some in the ruling party, which are jeopardizing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path and harming our partnership and the human rights of all Georgians, - US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya told journalists.

According to her, the ruling party leaders spreading disinformation about devoted and long-standing partners, including the United States, only serves adversaries’ interests.

“I am here during a special difficulty in Georgia's democratic trajectory and 32 years of US-Georgian partnership and I just concluded a meeting tonight with the Prime Minister. I had discussions over the past two days with the President, the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Members of Parliament, civil society and media. I voiced three key US messages. First, the United States is gravely concerned about the Georgian government's anti-democratic actions and disinformation put forth by some in the ruling party, which are jeopardizing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path and harming our partnership and the human rights of all Georgians. The so-called foreign influence law harms the Georgian people, including vibrant organizations supporting healthcare, schools, agriculture, media and much more. And as a result, the European Union has frozen Georgia's hard-fought EU accession. Escalating violence and intimidation against members of civil society and opposition is equally alarming. Furthermore, ruling party leaders spreading disinformation about devoted and long-standing partners, including the United States, only serves our adversaries’ interests.

My second message is that the United States is an unwavering supporter of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as Georgians know all too well. For 16 years, Russia continues to illegally occupy 20% of Georgian territory, while failing to live up to its obligation and commitments under the 2008 six-point ceasefire agreement. Earlier today, I met with brave Georgian women displaced by Putin's aggression, and I heard their stories of suffering and resilience. The United States position has not and will not change. We continue to support meeting the humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced Georgians.

Third, my third and final message was that for over 32 years, the United States has been Georgia's biggest supporter, including supporting the rights of all Georgians to free and fair elections, freedoms of association and expression and the rule of law. Let me be absolutely clear here, the United States does not support one political party over another. We do, however, expect our partners to ensure a genuine, competitive political process. It is up to the Georgian people to decide, and we support their right to select and elect their representatives in free and fair elections without threats of violence or intimidation. Any such acts of violence or intimidation must be condemned and investigated, with the perpetrators brought to justice.

Finally, robust and unimpeded, local and international election observation is essential to free and fair elections. Georgia has a long tradition of experienced, credible local election observers, who can help ensure the integrity of its democratic process.

Now, on a closing note, I'd like to underscore that Americans and Georgians share a special friendship that I think is rooted in our shared love of liberty and independence. There are many exchange programs. We send hundreds of Georgian students and professionals to study in the United States every year, there are over 6000 Georgian alumni of US exchange programs who are dynamic leaders in their communities and nationally. During this visit, I had the honor to meet distinguished Georgian alumni of the FLEX high school exchange program, and I also met young American Peace Corps volunteers, who are living here and partnering to advance Georgian progress and prosperity. Our people-to-people bonds are close and unbreakable, which I have seen throughout this visit, though our bilateral ties are at a uniquely challenging moment. The United States commitment to the Georgian people and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations is absolutely enduring”, said Uzra Zeya.

10/07/2024

⭕️ The NATO Heads of State and Government are convening in Washington from 9 to 11 July for the 75th anniversary summit.

Since Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party adopted the "Agents Law", the country's western partners, including the European Union and the United States, have repeatedly stated that the law, along with a number of other areas, poses a threat to Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Given recent developments in Georgia, there are fears that the country will lose what it got in 2008. At a summit in Bucharest in April 2008, NATO declared that both Ukraine and Georgia would join the U.S.-led defence alliance.

The Accent was interested in how is it possible that NATO will no longer reiterate the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision regarding Georgia and asked the embassies of the member countries of the Alliance about their positions and expectations regarding Georgia.

Here are the comments:⬇️

Accent news

10/07/2024

Germany is reviewing its relations with Georgia, the German ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, said in a conversation with journalists.

"Today we have an event organized by the German civil society, where the enlargement of the European Union is being discussed. Three members of the German parliament are present here, and this is a very important topic for Georgia, because Georgia is a candidate for EU membership, but we have reached a very difficult moment in this process, in this accession process. As you know, based on the actions of the Georgian government, the European Council, which consists of 27 heads of state and government, decision-makers on enlargement, decided on June 27 to suspend the accession process with Georgia. The accession process of Georgia has been halted. Now this is the policy of the European Union and it is very sad, because everything could have been completely different, we have been moved forward very quickly, we want to move forward, but the speed and quality of the accession process is in the hands of the candidate.

As for Germany, we are also reviewing our relations with Georgia. As you know, we have a very broad and deep relationship. Together with the United States of America, we are one of the largest donors of development cooperation in Georgia. We have decided not to make new commitments to Georgia at the moment, therefore there are no new financial commitments from Germany to Georgia at the moment. Also, the German armed forces canceled their participation in the Noble Partner exercises. We canceled the big legal forum that was held in Tbilisi last year and was supposed to be held in Berlin this summer. We are considering further actions," said Peter Fischer.

According to him, Georgians should think about how important it is for them to join the European Union.

"To sum up, the process of joining the European Union is suspended. This is very sad, we should be in a much better position, we should move forward, and I appeal to our Georgian friends: we want you to join the European Union, but you know the process. You must meet our standards and if you do not, then you will not be able to join. So, Georgian citizens and Georgian friends should think about how important the European Union is for you, your children, your grandchildren. If you want that, you have to get back to our course," said Peter Fischer.

10/07/2024

Russia’s allegations are false. I would just point out the irony of the country, Russia, that is illegally occupying 20 percent of Georgia as we speak, making those absurd allegations about another country, - US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said at the briefing.

Miller responded to a question: “Russia’s foreign intelligence service said – accused the U.S. of plotting regime change in Georgia, said the Biden administration has already developed a large-scale information campaign to discredit the ruling Georgian Dream party. How do you respond to that?”

“It’s completely false. I think it’s quite obvious that it’s completely false. It’s not the first time Russia has made allegations like that with respect to U.S. involvement in Georgia and other countries around the world that have been completely false, and have been absurd. And I would just point out the irony of the country, Russia, that is illegally occupying 20 percent of Georgia as we speak, making those absurd allegations about another country”, he said.

10/07/2024

Obviously, that is a decision made by the EU and something that they can more appropriately comment on. But I know that they have made clear, as we have made clear when it comes to our relationship with Georgia, that there would be consequences for Georgia’s democratic backsliding, - US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said at the briefing.

To the journalist's question about US relations with Georgia, Miller answered that the "review of relations with Tbilisi continues" in Washington.

“So obviously we would oppose any crackdown on democratic dissent. That’s the point that we have been making for some time. And it’s the point we have made about the passage of this law, and that it would be used to crack down on legitimate democratic dissent. It’s a troubling pattern of behavior by the Georgian Government that we would urge them to reverse”, he said.

09/07/2024

Shalva Papuashvili: In 2014, when the European Union could not find those willing to participate in the military mission in Central Africa, the "Georgian Dream" government saved the European Union mission from being disrupted

Read More… https://bit.ly/3zBMFsj

09/07/2024

🔴 This is not the time to win a sign, only to be very worried: the cancellation of the exercises by the USA was followed by the European Union's decision to freeze 30 million euros intended for the defense forces - this is a response to the anti-European and anti-Western rhetoric and actions of this government, - Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili wrote about this on Facebook.

Thus, she responded to the freezing of funding from the European Union for the Ministry of Defense of Georgia.

According to the president, with these steps, the partners are telling the public: "The choice is yours.""This is not a time for winning signs, only for great concern: the cancellation of the exercises by the USA was followed by the decision of the European Union to freeze 30 million euros intended for the defense forces.This is a response to the anti-European and anti-Western rhetoric and actions of this government.

The answer to the fact that all their advice and warnings remained unanswered: even symbolically withdrawing or freezing the one Russian law - which is not needed for anything and no one - and on the contrary, nothing else is heard from the mouthpieces of the government, that we will "nevertheless" join the European Union or Reiterating that these exercises were conducted "for the benefit of both countries"...These very heavy messages from two of our closest friends are worth noting! Although this is a response to the foolish and hostile policy of the ruling party towards them, at the same time it is a warning to the public: our partners tell us that "the choice is yours" - between a European, secure future and an isolated Georgia that has moved into Russia's orbit. We are told that this law(s) is not friendly behavior and compatible with European or American support so far!This is for those who still stubbornly and without argument repeat the question dictated from above: "Why is this law Russian?"why ... and that's why!!!", - declares Salome Zurabishvili.

09/07/2024

🔴 We hope to see a change in direction strategic direction for the Georgian government, - said Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for Europe at U.S. National Security Council.

“Frankly, when we see harassment of civil society when we see laws being passed, that limit the space for fundamental freedoms in Georgia that's not compatible with the values that undergird the NATO alliance, nor, frankly, do we think it's compatible with your Atlantic integration writ large, including the EU".

"It's clear that over the course of the last few months, sadly, the Georgian Government has moved in the wrong direction, in terms of its your Atlantic integration prospects. We have long supported Georgia sovereignty, territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, we have participated in upwards of 60 rounds of the Geneva international discussions to support Georgia. So it is with with some concern and sadness, frankly, that we see this move in the other direction.

So we hope to see a change in direction strategic direction for the Georgian government," says Michael Carpenter, whose statement has been posted by journalist Alex Raufoglu on X.