Opposition MP Urges Georgian Govt to Disclose Joint Letter by French, German FMs
MP Giorgi Kandelaki of the opposition European Georgia party called on the Georgian government through his Facebook page on February 13 to publicize a joint “critical” letter sent by the French and German Foreign Ministers.
“We have been informed that the government has received a joint letter from the Foreign Ministers of Germany and France, and it will not be either the first or the last letter. The pressure will further intensify,” Kandelaki told TV Pirveli on February 13.
Later on the same day, the opposition lawmaker told Civil Georgia (Civil.ge) that he could not speak about the content of the letter, but stressed that it puts “serious pressure” on the government “from the friends of Georgia.”
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In its brief comment, the Georgian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it has received the letter, noting that it is the German and French sides’ prerogative to unveil its contents. “It will be good if they publicize it, because the letter is quite balanced, supportive and constructive.”
“We are not going to put our German and French partners in an awkward situation. The diplomatic service cannot play along with Giorgi Kandelaki and his colleagues’ cheap statements,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.
The international community has shared concerns about the ruling, noting that there are questions about its timing, among others.
Two of the judicial panel members Shalva Tadumadze (former Prosecutor General) and Merab Gabinashvili – who were recently appointed as Supreme Court justices for lifetime tenure – supported the ruling, while judge Giorgi Shavliashvili dissented.
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