Georgian parliament speaker to visit Ukraine, expects his move to eradicate “all awkward controversies”

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has posted on social media that he is ready to visit Ukraine, stating that all details will be agreed with his Ukrainian colleague in a late-today phone conversation. 

 

” I have had intensive and friendly communication with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk over the past several days. The heroism of the Ukrainian government and the people to defend their homeland and the country’s future is truly exemplary,” Papuashvili said. 

He stated that Stefanchuk has reaffirmed his desire to host him in Ukraine in order to “share the human tragedies caused by the Russian aggression and the consequences of the destruction” on the ground.

“Today we have plans  to talk more about the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and about the European future of our countries,” Papuashvili said. 

He stated that with Stefanchuk he would discuss the ways for further and better coordination “to avoid the controversies we have witnessed recently,” allegedly referring to the recall of ambassador and Kyiv’s accusations that Tbilisi is aiding Russian smuggling. 

“This would further strengthen historic friendship between our countries and the people,” Papuashvili said. 

“Our communication, as well as Stefanchuk’s interview yesterday on Imedi TV, has assured me that there is a possibility to solve all controversies and misunderstandings. With this in mind, I have had discussions with the ruling  party and we have all agreed that my visit to Ukraine can play an important role in resolving these issues,” Papuashvili said. 

He noted that he has already confirmed his readiness for the visit  and reaffirmed  Georgia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

In his previous comments Papuashvili said that he would not have  visited Ukraine until the country provided any evidence for its “unfounded” allegations, which was followed by Stefanchuk’s critical post. 

Last week Stefanchuk invited Papuashvili and his other foreign  colleagues to visit Bucha following Russian atrocities there, to express solidarity for the country on the ground.