Natsvlishvili Accuses Bidzina Ivanishvili of Planning to Recognize Abkhazia for Political Gain
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Ana Natsvlishvili, a leader of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, has accused Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, of plotting to recognize Abkhazia in exchange for securing his hold on power.
Natsvlishvili claims that Ivanishvili is targeting Georgia's constitutional provisions on independence and territorial integrity, which she says he plans to alter through proposed constitutional amendments. According to Natsvlishvili, these changes are part of a broader strategy to align with Russian interests by recognizing Abkhazia and betraying Georgia.
"Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream serve Russia," Natsvlishvili stated. "After Ivanishvili, on Russia's instructions, closed the door to the European Union that was open to Georgia and halted negotiations on full EU membership, he is now moving to the next stage of the plan. It is clear that he intends to recognize Abkhazia in exchange for a guarantee of staying in power."
She added, "Talking about constitutional changes, for which, as he says, he needs a constitutional majority - this is exactly part of this insidious, treacherous plan. The Constitution of Georgia clearly and unequivocally records the independence and territorial integrity of Georgia. It is this record that Ivanishvili is targeting when he talks about constitutional amendments."
Natsvlishvili criticized Ivanishvili's actions, describing them as a betrayal of Georgia. "With the country's independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty at stake, such actions are a betrayal of the country. That is why Georgian Dream will be defeated in the October 26 elections. Ivanishvili serves the Kremlin, the occupier of this country, and not Georgia and its state interests."
She also outlined Strong Georgia's alternative vision for the country. "We, Strong Georgia, have a peaceful, concrete plan to restore the territorial integrity of Georgia. This plan includes accelerating Georgia's accession to the European Union and constructing the Anaklia port. These measures will create real conditions for the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity and reintegration."
"Georgia is an independent state. Its territorial integrity has already been recognized both by the Constitution and the international community. No matter how much Ivanishvili tries to rewrite it on the instructions of the Kremlin, he will not succeed against Georgia," Natsvlishvili stated.
