Georgia maintained peace despite external pressures, says Georgian Parliament Committee Chair

Georgia has been the target of targeted pressures since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, with clear interests pushing the country to take a side - a demand Tbilisi firmly rejected, said on Saturday Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration.

Speaking on the talk show Open Air - Debates, Makhashvili emphasised that navigating this turbulent geopolitical landscape required immense resilience, specifically crediting Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family.

“At the expense of the self-sacrifice of Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family, this country walked a tightrope”, said Makhashvili

The Committee Chair underscored that Georgia’s primary objective is to command respect on the international stage.

He reminded audiences that the foundational values of the European Union extend far beyond mere geography. Makhashvili defined the EU’s true essence as equality, justice, sovereignty protection, and mutual respect.

He urged certain EU member states to remember these historical roots, noting that a return to these principles would benefit both sides. Ultimately, he noted that in such a scenario, Georgia will be a strong partner for both Europe and the United States.
Addressing the current friction with Western partners, Makhashvili rejected any framing of Georgia as a liability, asserting that the nation is naturally doing what is necessary to join the European family. However, he lamented that the country has fallen victim to double standards.

“This does not mean we will bow our heads and adopt the mindset of a victim. We will do our job, and I am confident that sooner or later, we will have the opportunity to sit back down at the negotiating table. There are many signs, messages, and indications of this”, he continued.

Looking ahead, Makhashvili expressed optimism about geopolitical stabilisation, concluding that once the war ends, Georgia will successfully restore the balanced, normal international relations it rightfully deserves.