Georgia can’t fulfill its strategic role amid confrontation West, UNM leader

Georgia will be unable to carry out its strategic role if it remains in full confrontation with Western partners and loses diplomatic engagement, Irakli Pavlenishvili, Deputy Secretary General of the United National Movement, said on Monday, describing this as the core issue facing the country.

Pavlenishvili stressed that Georgia’s strategic function and importance were well understood by Western officials, including European bureaucrats and political leaders, despite growing criticism.

“I am confident that everyone - including European bureaucrats, political leaders, and any influential figures in the West - clearly understands the strategic function and importance of our country,” he said.

However, Pavlenishvili stressed that Georgia’s ability to fulfill this role depended on maintaining constructive relations with Western partners.

“This is the strategic function our country must perform. However, if we are in full confrontation with the West and no one is willing to engage with us, we will not be able to fulfill that role. That is the core of the issue,” he said.

The politician noted criticism directed at Georgia from Western partners was not aimed at the country itself, but rather at the policies currently being pursued by the authorities.

“Regarding criticism, the object of criticism is the country because of its policies,” he added.