Shalva Papuashvili Responds to David Arakhamia's Statements on Ambassador Appointment and Calls for Handover of Two Individuals
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, expressed disappointment that despite Georgia's solidarity with Ukraine, the ambassador of Ukraine has not been appointed to Tbilisi. Papuashvili's statement was in response to Davit Arakhamia, the head of the "Servant of the People" faction in the Ukrainian Rada, who promised to request the appointment of an ambassador to Tbilisi once Nika Gvaramia is released from prison.
Papuashvili commented that he hoped the current issue in their relationship would be resolved soon and expressed his belief that setting preconditions on the matter is not appropriate. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine restoring their previous positive relationship with Georgia and its people, stating that the appointment of an ambassador would be a significant indicator of their willingness to do so.
"I hope that this flaw introduced into our relationship will soon be removed. I don't think it's right to set preconditions here. It is important for Ukraine to restore the attitude they had towards the Georgian people and the state. Appointing an ambassador would be a sign of this attitude," Papuashvili said.
Shalva Papuashvili added that it's hard to respond 'seriously' to David Arakhamia. However, he suggested that if the Ukrainian authorities wish to win the hearts of the Georgian people, they should consider handing over Zurab Adeishvili and Gia Lortkipanidze to Georgia.
According to Papuashvili, Zurab Adeishvili has been convicted in five cases, and Gia Lortkipanidze was involved in Saakashvili's illegal entry into Georgia.
