Many diplomatic mission representatives seem to think they have the freedom to meddle in Georgia’s domestic matters, disregarding international legal restrictions. Such a comment made today the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, while talking about the statements of the French Ambassador.

“I addressed this issue a couple of days ago and have responded multiple times to the French Ambassador’s statements and actions, as we have witnessed unusual support for radical forces in Georgia.

To date, despite my appeals for both the French and other embassies to condemn and distance themselves from attacks on the Parliament building during protests fueled by those they finance, no such distancing has occurred.

The most recent attack occurred on March 31, further damaging the building. I won’t even mention the December incident, which incurred damages of half a million GEL to the Parliament. Regrettably, instead of disassociating from violence, we see encouragement for it.

We have observed a statement from the US President regarding ongoing developments in France, which he termed a ‘witch hunt.’ In reality, just four months ago, former French President Sarkozy was tried and sentenced to three years, and now the leader of the main opposition party, Le Pen, has received a four-year sentence.

In this context, French Ambassador’s claims about political pressure and censorship lack credibility. In France, political opponents are prosecuted. According to recent polls by Le Figaro, 60% of the French population demands the president’s resignation. 50% want new parliamentary elections. In light of this context, the French Ambassador’s criticisms of Georgian justice and claims of a political crisis lack credibility.

I reiterate my call for all ambassadors, including the French Ambassador, to operate within the framework of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specifically Article 41, which prohibits interference in the host country’s internal affairs.

Unfortunately, this principle has become misinterpreted. Many diplomatic mission representatives seem to think they have the freedom to meddle in Georgia’s domestic matters, disregarding international legal restrictions. Their unqualified comments and attacks on Georgian justice, Parliament, the people who elected them are unwarranted”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.