**Georgian Parliament Speaker Slams PACE for Using Saakashvili as a Tool Against Georgian People**
The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has delivered a scathing response to the recent session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). In a social media post, he accused political groups that support Mikheil Saakashvili of using him as a weapon against the Georgian people.
Papuashvili’s statement comes after PACE passed a resolution recognizing Saakashvili as a political prisoner and calling for his release. This move has been met with resistance from the Georgian government, which claims that Saakashvili is being used by opposition groups to undermine the country‘s sovereignty.
**A History of Controversy**
Papuashvili highlighted the contentious history between Georgia and PACE, citing the 2022 resolution that declared Saakashvili a political prisoner. He noted that since then, no decision or resolution has come as a surprise, implying that PACE has been biased towards the opposition.
The Georgian Speaker also pointed out that in January of this year, the entire Georgian parliamentary delegation left PACE due to a resolution that was seen as an infringement on Georgia’s sovereignty. As a result, the country does not have a representative in PACE at present.
**A Threat to Democratic Values**
Papuashvili emphasized that PACE’s actions are a threat to democratic values and principles, particularly the principle of inclusivity. He warned that attempts by certain political groups to use PACE as a tool for their interests can undermine the very foundations of the Council of Europe.
The Georgian Speaker also highlighted the precedent set by PACE in its latest resolution, which effectively denied Georgia’s choice of government. This move has been condemned by many, including human rights organizations, who see it as a clear infringement on the country’s sovereignty.
**A Commitment to Democratic Values**
Despite this controversy, Papuashvili assured that Georgia remains committed to the core values and principles of the Council of Europe, which include respect for the will of the people, majority rule with protection of minority rights, and the rule of law.
As PACE prepares to hold urgent debates regarding the situation in Georgia, many are watching closely to see how this crisis will be resolved. One thing is certain: the Georgian government will continue to fight against any attempts to undermine its sovereignty and democracy.
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