Imposing Sanctions on Russia Poses Potential Threat to National Security, Shalva Papuashvili says
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
According to Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, any measures involving the introduction of visas, border closures, or flight bans are considered sanctions. He believes that such actions imply an escalation in tensions between the countries and indicate a potential escalation in relations with Russia.
Papuashvili believes that if sanctions are imposed on Russia, he anticipates that there will be retaliatory measures taken by Russia. He asserted that these retaliatory actions could ultimately pose a threat to the security of Georgia.
"Any sanction signifies escalation. Escalation implies a potential military confrontation with Russia. We do not want to subject our population to this risk," said Papuashvili in his statement.
According to the Chairman, if Georgia bans flights to Russia and joins the sanctions, "it will be impossible to foresee the retaliatory measures and results from Russia's side."
Papuashvili stated that if Georgia proceeds with banning flights to Russia and participates in imposing sanctions, the exact nature of the retaliatory measures and the outcomes from Russia's side would become highly unpredictable.
"The opposition itself has finally acknowledged that imposing sanctions on Russia does not align with our country's interests. Any actions involving the introduction of visas, border closures, and flight bans can be considered as sanctions, indicating an escalation between the countries. Escalation leads us into an unpredictable spiral with unforeseeable consequences. Therefore, when sanctions are imposed, it is expected that retaliatory measures will follow, ultimately posing a threat to our country's security and economic well-being. I would like to remind everyone that the Russian army is only 30 kilometers away from the capital, with the greatest military risk. Additionally, there is a significant danger that Russia might transition from an occupation policy to an annexation policy," stated Papuashvili.
Papuashvili expressed that those suggesting visa bans, flight bans, and imposing sanctions are essentially urging Georgia to take risks and escalate the situation with Russia, potentially leading to a military confrontation. He highlighted that such proposals fail to provide guarantees of security or economic stability. The Chairman of the Parliament emphasized that any form of sanctions would imply escalation and increase the likelihood of a military confrontation with Russia. He asserted that Georgia is not willing to jeopardize the safety of its population in such a manner.
"Those who propose visa bans, flight bans, or urge us to impose sanctions are essentially advocating for us to take risks and escalate the situation with Russia, potentially leading to a military confrontation. However, those suggesting sanctions do not provide us with any guarantees of security or economic stability. It is important to understand that any sanctions signify escalation, which in turn implies a potential military confrontation with Russia. We are not willing to put our population at risk in this manner," Papuashvili stated.
