Ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia says that the statements being made by the country’s PM Irakli Garibashvili that Georgia will not join sanctions against Russia and that he will not attend an extraordinary session over Ukraine, do not correspond to the position and thoughts of the Georgian people. 

“The Georgian people stand by Ukrainians. The people who are undermining this unity and are pleasing an aggressor will surely be held accountable,” Gakharia said. 

He stated that today Georgia marks the tragic date of the Soviet occupation, and that the country’s territories still remain occupied by Russia. 

“Today Russia is invading Ukraine which makes the day much  more emotional,” Gakharia said.

He stated that despite the position of the current authorities, Georgians are standing on the other side and remain devoted to values. 

“The national self-esteem of the Georgian people has not disappeared anywhere, we have not lost our dignity and we are still a nation faithful to our values!”

Gakharia served as PM under the current Georgian Dream government. However, he resigned and left the ruling party last year due to disagreements with the party leadership.