Ukraine puts forward conditions for the normalization of ties with Georgia
- 15 March, 10:45
David Arakhamia, head of Ukraine's Servant of the People party in the Verkhovna Rada, has presented three conditions for Georgia to meet in order to normalize relations with Ukraine. These conditions include releasing and repatriating Mikheil Saakashvili, discontinuing direct flights to Russia as demanded by the Georgian public, and halting actions aiding aggressors in evading sanctions. Arakhamia emphasized that fulfilling these conditions would facilitate the normalization process.
The Georgian government publicly criticized Ukraine's inclusion of Zurab Adeishvili, a former chief prosecutor and justice minister wanted by the UNM, in official delegations to Brussels and Berlin the day before Arakhamia's statement. Georgia emphasized the extradition of individuals wanted by Georgia as crucial for restoring bilateral relations.
In response to Georgia's extradition demands, Arakhamia highlighted the pro-Kremlin stance of Georgian authorities and suggested that normalization lay within the outlined steps.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated Georgia's support for Ukraine and urged the Ukrainian government to make decisions strengthening the long-standing friendship between the nations without fostering divisions. Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority, condemned Arakhamia's attitude, expressing hope that it wouldn't undermine the historical friendship between the two peoples.
Mdinaradze dismissed allegations of Georgia aiding Russia in evading sanctions as unfounded, labeling them as a "very dirty lie." He emphasized Georgia's ongoing support for Ukraine despite unfair treatment.
According to Giorgi Kakhiani, Georgian deputy spokesman, Arakhamia's statements reflect Ukraine's authorities' stance toward Georgia. Nevertheless, Georgia intends to continue supporting Ukraine through its challenging times.
