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Five Georgian ambassadors to various countries have resigned amid protests against the central government's Nov. 28 decision to reject European integration. Additionally, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Teimuraz Janjalia has left his post.
On Dec. 1, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed the resignation of Georgian Ambassador to the United States David Zalkaliani and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Teimuraz Janjalia, the outlet Ekho Kavkaza reports. According to Kobakhidze, Zalkaliani “was being pressured.”
On Nov. 30, acting Georgian Ambassador to Italy Irakli Vekua announced his resignation.“How did Mr. Pessoa put it? 'The wounds of all the battles I avoided'... Everyone has them. I have too many,” Vekua wrote on his Facebook page.
The same day, Georgian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Netherlands David Solomonia did the same. “I faithfully carried out my official duties as long as I believed I could have some influence on the course of events. Today, such hope no longer exists. I condemn any violence and resign as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” Solomonia said.
On Nov. 29, Georgia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bulgaria Otar Berdzenishvili announced his resignation on his Twitter page. “Throughout my extensive diplomatic service (more than two decades), I've been actively engaged with my fellow colleagues in advancing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic and EU integration process and building solid and trustful strategic partnerships with our allies, especially with the United States. Our tireless efforts should not be undermined or compromised by any means,” Berdzenishvili wrote.
Also on Nov. 29, several dozen Georgian Foreign Ministry officials issued a joint statement condemning the rejection of European integration. The statement has since gained 235 signatures. “Our primary duty as diplomats is to protect Georgia's national interests and be faithful to the Constitution. For many years, Georgian diplomacy has been making every effort to join the European and Euro-Atlantic organization, which is the will and historical choice of the Georgian people. Today's statement about Georgia's withdrawal from the agenda of EU accession negotiations until 2028 is not in line with the country's strategic interests,” the statement reads. Similar statements were also published by employees of the National Bank, Tbilisi City Hall, Ministry of Education, Constitutional Court, and other state institutions.
On Nov. 28, Georgian Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party Irakli Kobakhidze declared that he would postpone EU accession talks until 2028 and that the country would refuse to receive budget grants from the European Union. The latter likely refers to funds that the EU directed to support reform in Georgia's labor market, social policy, and education sector. Kobakhidze's statement is a response to the European Parliament's refusal to recognize the results of Georgia’s October parliamentary elections, which featured numerous violations and irregularities.