Georgia’s Ambassador to France, Gocha Javakhishvili, announced on Thursday that he had requested an early termination of his position in response to the controversial foreign transparency bill, which was reintroduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party in March, sparking renewed mass protests in Tbilisi.

In clarifying his stance on Georgia's European aspirations, Javakhishvili, who assumed the post in 2022, reiterated his belief in the country's European identity. He emphasized that Europe embodied a set of values transcending mere geographical boundaries. 

Stressing the importance of honoring Georgia's cultural heritage and historical legacy, he viewed European integration as a natural progression of the nation's spiritual and cultural identity.

With three decades dedicated to Georgian diplomacy and ten years to teaching European integration, Javakhishvili underscored his unwavering commitment to Georgia's European path. He expressed confidence in the country's national values and resilience against external pressures, particularly from Russia.

“I have dedicated 30 years to serving in Georgian diplomacy, alongside 10 years of teaching European integration. Throughout my tenure, I've instilled in my students a profound belief in our country's European identity and future. I firmly advocate that Europe is our natural home. I've consistently emphasized to my students that Europe doesn't seek our assimilation; rather, it welcomes our contributions - our unique language, alphabet, polyphony, rich traditions, and ancient culture. It's our distinctiveness, our charm, that enriches Europe. If I didn't wholeheartedly embrace this vision, I wouldn't have persevered in this role for so long,” he said.

The diplomat added the reemergence of the draft law had “significantly complicated” the environment and mood in the country’s relations with friends and foreign partners, noting  “as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Georgia to the French Republic and Monaco, navigating these challenges has become exceptionally arduous”. 

Regarding political alignments, Javakhishvili noted a lack of overt pro-Russian sentiments among his colleagues. However, he distanced himself from any strategic maneuvers aimed at cozying up to Russia, reaffirming his dedication to advancing Georgia's European integration."I firmly believe that Georgia has already fortified its national values, bearing witness to the true cost of freedom and independence. The Georgian nation has endured and learned from its history with Russia, ensuring that our land will never again be hospitable to Russian influence or interference”, he said.

Acknowledging the complexity of expressing opinions amid political turbulence, Javakhishvili expressed a desire to disentangle himself from burdens he felt unable to bear any longer. Despite potential repercussions and the disappointment of others, he vowed to follow his conscience without regret.

Closing his statement, Javakhishvili affirmed his enduring support for Georgia's European future, regardless of his future endeavors.

The Georgian Dream party passed the bill on May 1 in its second reading, with 83 votes in favor and 23 against. Although the bill's content remained largely unchanged, the title was altered to replace the term “agent” with “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad.