Kobakhidze: Georgia does not publicly declare Russia an enemy because this would require follow-up steps

Georgian prime minister on Russia

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists that the Georgian government does not publicly call Russia an “enemy” because such a political statement would require corresponding action.

A journalist asked Kobakhidze whether the Georgian government considers Russia an enemy. The prime minister replied:

“Your questions are shameful, you look ridiculous. Let me explain in simple terms why this question is shameful: you want to get a sensational headline, even in the Russian media, saying that I have declared the Russian Federation an enemy. This is a specific political statement that would have to be followed by specific steps – roughly the same, or exactly the same, as those your party” (referring to the United National Movement – JAMnews) “took in 2008 and before.”

The journalist asked whether this was precisely why the government was reluctant to openly call Russia an enemy.

“Of course. What, should I repeat it again?!” Kobakhidze replied.

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“The ongoing militarisation of Georgia’s occupied territories threatens the security not only of Georgia, but also regional and European stability”

Kobakhidze also addressed Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories and reiterated that the Russian Federation occupies 20% of Georgia’s territory.

“Of course, the Russian Federation is the only state and party that has occupied Georgian territories. This is an absolutely clear fact. Numerous statements have been made about this, and there is no doubt about it,” Kobakhidze stressed.

He said Russia’s occupation of Georgian territory was a “crime against the Georgian state and the Georgian people”:

“This is an egregious crime: first the occupation, and then the so-called recognition.”

Georgian prime minister on Russia