Georgian citizens living abroad have issued a joint statement addressing what they describe as an unprecedented political crisis in their homeland. The statement accuses the Georgian Dream government, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, of collaborating with Russia to undermine Georgia’s sovereignty, isolate the nation from the democratic world, and dismantle its state institutions.
The statement condemns what it terms a “special operation” against Georgia, using hybrid tactics to destabilize the country and stall its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. It highlights daily acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators and journalists, violations of the Georgian Constitution, and the repression of political opponents.
“We stand with those fighting against the illegitimate government to preserve Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and constitutional order,” the statement reads.
Key points emphasized in the statement include:
– The European Union is described as Georgia’s civilizational choice and the only framework for the nation’s political and cultural survival.
– The United States is identified as Georgia’s steadfast partner, critical to its state-building efforts and resilience in the face of Russian aggression.
– A call for immediate action from the international community, including sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and high-ranking officials of Georgian Dream, and coordinated support for the Georgian people and their president.
The statement also expressed unequivocal support for President Salome Zourabichvili, described as the only legitimate political authority in Georgia, and urged unity among the political spectrum to support her institution.
The Georgian diaspora appealed to the global democratic community to prevent Russia’s “hybrid annexation” of Georgia, emphasizing the need for sanctions and international solidarity to ensure the nation’s democratic and European future.
The statement, open for signatures from Georgians living abroad, has already garnered 205 signatures as of December 3.
The joint declaration concludes with a rallying cry for Georgia’s statehood, democracy, and European aspirations.
“We believe that Georgia’s future lies in a democratic political culture, integration into the European Union, and its strategic partnership with the United States. May God strengthen Georgia!” The statement reads.
Georgians living abroad have pledged to use every available resource to support their homeland during these challenging times.
