Opposition warns of Georgia's isolation amid concerns over Tskhinvali annexation

One of the leaders of Georgia’s opposition United National Movement (UNM), Levan Bezhashvili, has criticized the government’s foreign policy, arguing that Georgia has become internationally isolated at a time when support from Western partners is particularly important.

Speaking ahead of a debate on Georgia at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Bezhashvili claimed that discussions in Russia regarding the future status of the Georgian breakaway region of Tskhinvali underscore the need for stronger international backing.

“Today, when Russia is discussing the further annexation of the Tskhinvali region, replacing local leaders and increasingly speaking about incorporating the region into Russia, Georgia needs the support and solidarity of its European and American partners,” Bezhashvili said.

He argued that Georgia currently lacks sufficient international support and described the anticipated PACE discussions as further evidence of what he called the ruling government's diplomatic isolation.

According to Bezhashvili, the expected debate and vote on a resolution concerning Georgia at PACE will demonstrate that the governing Georgian Dream party does not enjoy broad international backing.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is scheduled to hold a debate on Georgia and vote on a draft resolution that expresses concern over what it describes as a continuing democratic backsliding in the country, as well as ongoing pressure on civil society organizations, political opposition groups, and dissenting voices.