Opposition member reacts to Moscow’s alleged plans to “normalize” ties with Tbilisi

Bacho Dolidze, an opposition representative and a former member of the United National Movement, on Monday reacted to the latest claims by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Mikhail Galuzin, stating that Moscow aimed to “facilitate the normalization of relations” with Georgia, amid its occupation of the 20 percent of the Georgian territory. 

In his comments for Front News Georgia, Dolidze claimed the “loyal” attitude of the current Georgian Dream authorities to Russia “affected” Tbilisi’s international image and “encouraged” Russian officials to make similar statements. 

“If there is no dialogue on the annexed territories, particularly with issues like Abkhazia and Samachablo [occupied regions of Georgia] , what kind of international relations are we discussing with Russia?!” Dolidze asked. 

He stressed maintaining good relations with all countries was beneficial, “but it must be contextual”. 

“Air travel has resumed, and the [Georgian] government has created very favorable conditions for both Russian citizens and numerous businesses avoiding sanctions. This announcement follows that trend. While it’s important to foster positive relations with everyone, we must consider the circumstances. We’re facing a situation where a terrorist state, diplomatically isolated, continues to claim innocent lives daily [both in Ukraine and Georgia]. Amidst this backdrop, the stance of our government officials is intriguing; it’s been only a few months since our citizen was killed near the occupation line, yet there was barely a reaction”, Dolidze said. 

“Thus, the context and the government’s stance are crucial. How can Russian government representatives view them as their primary ally?” Dolidze added.