Ambassador Katukia was not a career diplomat, she was President Zourabichvili’s friend – GD MP Zarkua

Tea Katukia was not suitable to the position of Georgia’s Ambassador to France, she was President Salome Zourabichvili’s friend and took the position through the letter’s decision, Georgian Dream ruling party MP Irakli Zarkua said on Friday, following Katukia’s accusations to the country’s Foreign Ministry.

In a letter released on July 1, Katukia suggested she was a victim of slander and harassment, and that the situation in the ministry “contradicted the values” ​​she upheld and the “goals and aspirations” she had for Georgia.

“it turned out that Katukia did not have the skills, vision and experience on the path of Georgia’s European integration,” Zarkua said.

The Foreign Ministry stated that it was “surprised” by Katukia’s allegations, adding that the latter was not qualified enough.

“We are surprised by Katukia’s slanderous accusations against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The ambassador resigned following a preliminary consultation. She was informed that the ministry was unhappy with her performance in the role. Unfortunately, she failed to ensure proper fulfillment of the rights and duties assigned to her,” said the Ministry.

The Ministry noted that the French-Georgian relations had moved to “a relatively new stage, considering Georgia’s EU prospects and goals,” and that a “highly qualified and experienced diplomat” was needed.