State Minister Mdinaradze slams Georgians involved in ‘external attacks’ on country

Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Bodies, Mamuka Mdinaradze, has criticised Georgian opposition and civil society representatives whom he accused of participating in what he described as external attacks against the country.

Speaking to journalists at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral during the enthronement ceremony of Shio III on Tuesday, Mdinaradze said it was “regrettable” when Georgian citizens took part in initiatives abroad that he claimed were aimed against Georgia’s interests.

“Very often, ethnic Georgians participate in attacks that originate from outside the country,” he said.

Mdinaradze claimed political opponents and representatives of non-governmental organisations should criticise the government domestically, but should not support international initiatives that, in his view, harm the country.

“It is paradoxical when some people speak about improving relations with Europe and the United States while simultaneously participating in projects used for attacks against Georgia,” he said.

The Vice Prime Minister also commented on a resolution recently adopted by the French National Assembly, arguing that international resolutions only carry value when based on “real facts”.

“A resolution has value only when it is based on factual information,” Mdinaradze said, claiming that some international documents concerning Georgia contained inaccuracies and weak arguments.

He further defended the government’s record, saying Georgia had maintained peace and achieved economic progress under the current administration.

“We are proud, national-minded people who love our country and our people,” he said. “The main achievement is that Georgia has the government its people want. This is one of the key signs of sovereignty and democracy.”