Vice PM criticizes President for alleged “failure” to congratulate Aliyev on victory

Thea Tsulukiani, the Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, on Monday criticized President Salome Zourabichvili for her “silence” to congratulate Ilham Aliyev on his victory to Azerbaijani’s Presidential elections last week, claiming her stance could be attributed to “obeying the instructions of [foreign] patrons”. 

Tsulukiani emphasized the South Caucasus region was currently facing heightened geopolitical and security risks, making it imperative for Georgia to maintain positive and cooperative relations with neighboring nations. Expressing disappointment in President Zourabichvili’s actions, Tsulukiani questioned whether her stance reflected a prioritization of national interests or external influences.

Highlighting the importance of fostering friendly relations with neighboring countries like Azerbaijan, Tsulukiani stressed that any failure to do so could lead to increased risks and economic threats for Georgia, accusing the President of “political blindness”, before questioning the position that Zourabichvili was expecting official, final results. 

Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani also slammed the President for “not pursuing a diplomatic etiquette” and “damaging national interests” through her “delay”.