Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili spoke at a reception for diplomats on New Year’s Eve. She talked about the challenges facing Georgia, including mass migration from Russia.
President Zurabishvili said that while mass migration is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to show Georgian hospitality and tolerance. However, she warned that this should not be done “stupidly.”
The president mentioned that opening borders for Russian citizens of Georgian descent is acceptable, but it’s essential to have correct legislation and regulations in place to prevent unwanted intentions.
One major challenge facing Georgia is the occupation by Russia. President Zurabishvili said that Russia also tries to impose itself on its neighbors.
Some groups may think that criticism should be directed at Western partners, not the occupier. But the president emphasized that the occupation remains the biggest challenge.
Another challenge is mass migration from Russia. While it’s a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to show what Georgian hospitality and tolerance mean.
President Zurabishvili stressed the importance of being in full control of what’s happening with mass migration. She suggested opening borders for Russian citizens of Georgian descent but with proper regulations to prevent unwanted intentions.
The president warned that Russia poses a great challenge not only to Georgia but also to Europe and the rest of the world.
She emphasized that when negotiating with Russia, it should be clear that occupation on the European continent is no longer acceptable. President Zurabishvili said that time for negotiation will come, and it will be in the hands of the Ukrainian people.
The president urged those who want real peace and negotiation to first recognize that occupation on the European continent is not acceptable. She warned against repeating scenarios like 1992, 2008, 2014, and 2022, where Russia committed aggressions against its neighbors.