Irakli Kobakhidze Emphasizes Steadfastness as Key to Obtaining EU Candidacy Status
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 7, 2023
Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream party, has voiced his worries regarding an upcoming 'political decision' related to Georgia's potential candidacy status in the European Union. He underscored the significant risks associated with this decision and expressed that the radical opposition is seeking to obstruct their candidacy status through political means, without regard for any previously agreed-upon 12-point agreements.
Kobakhidze highlighted that the opposition's strategy relies on denying candidate status to Georgia, which would enable them to pursue a revolutionary scenario in the future. He further mentioned a significant meeting held in Bakuriani where revolutionary training took place. Kobakhidze added that Zurab Japaridze revealed the 'radical' opposition has similar plans for December as they had in the previous year of June.
"I will remind you that when the famous meeting was held in Bakuriani, it was shortly after we had submitted our application. They conducted training on revolution and even brought in an American expert. The direct conversation during the gathering was about implementing the revolutionary plan when - not if - Georgia is not granted candidate status in June. Zura Girchi Japaridze also revealed a similar plan for December. All the plans of the radical opposition are based on the fact that we should not be granted candidate status in December. They are working on it from beginning to end, ensuring that Georgia is not given the status of a candidate in December so that they can utilize it for revolutionary processes later on," said Irakli Kobakhidze.
According to the Chairman of Georgian Dream, it is crucial for the government and society to demonstrate firmness as it increases the chances of being granted candidate status. Kobakhidze explained that if the Global War Party perceives any wavering within society and even a small possibility of a revolution occurring in case the status is not granted, it would diminish the likelihood of obtaining candidate status.
"The primary factor lies in the solidity demonstrated by the government and, above all, society, as it directly impacts our chances of being granted candidate status. I am confident that as we approach December, we will maintain our current state of solidity. Presently, both the government and society are resolute and in favorable positions. If we sustain this condition, the likelihood of being granted candidate status will be significantly higher. However, if the Global War Party detects any slight wavering or the possibility of a revolution occurring in our country should the status be denied, then our chances would naturally diminish. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we remain steadfast. I am certain that both the government and society will firmly uphold positions that serve the best interests of our country," stated Kobakhidze.
