Georgian Ex-Minister Denies Giving Up Sovereignty to Russia
Former Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze testified before a parliamentary commission. He was questioned about a statement made by the country’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili.
According to reports, Saakashvili said he would refuse NATO membership if an agreement could be reached with Russia regarding two disputed regions. However, Vashadze denied that this statement was ever considered by the government.
Vashadze said: “Never, from the president down to the attaché, did anyone have this idea – to give up part of our sovereignty to someone else.” He believed that Saakashvili never thought about giving up Georgian sovereignty.
The commission’s secretary, Sozar Subari, showed a video comment from Saakashvili. This seemed to confirm that Saakashvili had indeed made the statement. Vashadze defended his government’s handling of foreign policy during its time in office. He said it was effective and that no one considered giving up sovereignty.
The commission chairperson, Tea Tsulukiani, responded by saying: “But don‘t swear that this thought never crossed Saakashvili’s mind.”