Shalva Papuashvili Addresses Ukraine War at European Conference of Presidents of Parliament
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, September 29, 2023
During his address at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament of the Council of Europe Member States in Dublin, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, pointed out that Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the most extensive military action of this century, has raised significant concerns about fundamental principles such as national sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and the rule of law.
"It is an honor for me to participate in this conference and share Georgia's perspective on such an important issue that has engulfed Europe and the whole world: Russia's war against Ukraine. This conflict has undermined the existing security architecture, caused enormous damage to Ukraine, and shattered hopes for a peaceful Europe.
For more than a year, we have been living in an increasingly vulnerable and turbulent world. In addition to security challenges in the traditional sense, Russia's war has dealt a serious blow to energy and food markets, affecting millions of people around the world.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has raised significant doubts about the norms of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and the rule of law on a scale not seen this century, putting considerable pressure on the liberal international order," stated Papuashvili.
Papuashvili emphasized that Russia's recent aggression towards Ukraine did not come as a surprise to Georgia. He reaffirmed Georgia's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized framework, driven by both respect for international law and a deep understanding of Ukraine's pain. Reflecting on Georgia's own past, Papuashvili recounted how Georgia had faced a similar full-scale military aggression by Russia in 2008.
Parliament Speaker noted that, unfortunately, the international response to Russia's actions against Georgia in 2008 was weak, temporary, and ineffective. However, he expressed optimism about the current situation, highlighting a stronger and more united European response to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.
Papuashvili highlighted that Georgia demonstrated its solidarity with Ukraine not only through words but also through robust political and diplomatic actions, despite the ongoing occupation of Georgian territories and the presence of Russian military forces just kilometers away from Georgian capital Tbilisi.
"We undertook these actions in the face of ongoing occupation in Georgian territories and the presence of Russian military forces, just tens of kilometers away from our capital.
Georgia has actively co-authored, joined, or supported hundreds of resolutions, joint statements, and initiatives in support of Ukraine within all major international organizations and institutions. Additionally, Georgia has become a signatory to the Reykjavik Declaration. The Parliament of Georgia is committed to supporting the government in implementing this declaration.
Beyond our strong friendship and historical connections, we share a common vision for the future-membership in the European Union and NATO. Our stance is resolute, and we are confident that our countries will continue progressing along this path. Now is the ideal time to encourage nations that uphold European values and have historical ties to the European family," stated Shalva Papuashvili.
Papuashvili emphasized, "We must remind the aggressor that there is no alternative to peace."
