MEP Viola von Cramon: Georgia's Present Situation Echoes Past Mistakes After Russian Occupation
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, September 4, 2023
MEP Viola von Cramon, speaking from the village of Odzisi near the occupation line, has pointed out that the current situation in Georgia serves as a reminder of the significant mistake made when the necessary actions were not taken after Russia occupied Georgian territories.
Cramon pointed out that despite the political developments in Tbilisi appearing to lean towards improving relations with Russia, the situation along the occupation line remains unchanged. She emphasized that the European Parliament and institutions of the European Union continue to prioritize the matter of Georgia's territorial integrity.
"We are not here for the first time. I have been to the administrative dividing line many times before, even before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, today, it is even more important to show solidarity and observe what is happening. Obviously, it is disappointing for us because we see that all the international negotiations have yielded zero results so far. We understand that the situation is not changing for the better. Despite political developments in Tbilisi indicating an attempt to get closer to Russia, here at the occupation line, the situation does not change. The territorial integrity of Georgia remains a priority for us in the European Parliament and within the institutions of the European Union. The current situation in Georgia serves as a stark reminder of the significant mistake made when appropriate steps were not taken after Russia occupied Georgian territories. We observe significant solidarity towards Ukraine, but in the case of Georgia, unlike Ukraine, we have not taken the necessary measures. So, this was the main mistake," said Viola von Cramon.
Cramon also commented on the ruling party Georgian Dream initiating the impeachment procedure against President Salome Zourabichvili, accusing her of 'grossly violating' the Constitution of Georgia and undertaking a series of visits to foreign countries without the government's consent.
MEP expressed her belief that the government's move to impeach the president appears to be an attempt to deflect attention from genuine issues.
"In my view, it appears to be an attempt to shift society's focus away from real problems and redirect it towards other issues," said Viola von Cramon.
