Georgia can count on cooperation with the West only if local parties stop pursuing exclusively their own interests.
Attempts by the pro-Western opposition to shake the situation in Georgia continue to this day. The United National Movement of the fugitive ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili is especially active in this area. But with constant rallies and empty accusations, the oppositionists achieved only that the population turned away from them. This situation clearly does not suit the European Union and the United States, from where signals, alarming for Saakashvili’s people, are beginning to come.
For example, members of the European Parliament addressed the Georgian political forces. Without pointing specifically to the opposition, MEPs point out that the political crisis has led to “antagonism and polarization” in the country’s political arena.
“We have provided stable political support to the country so that it can advance on its path, but this progress will not be in conditions of antagonism and polarization”, – the statement said.
At the same time, the authors emphasize that Brussels will provide assistance to Georgia only if the pro-Western opposition makes a deal with the ruling party of the country.
In Washington, criticizing Georgia’s opposition, which disappointed the West, the diplomatic tone of its European colleagues was thrown back. US Senate members Gene Shahin and Jim Risch openly blamed Georgian opposition leaders for the situation spiraling out of control.
“The responsibility lies with those in government. But this does not mean that the opposition does not bear responsibility”, – Riesch said.
“I am afraid for the future of Georgia”.
Together with Gene Shaheen, a Democratic senator, Republican Jim Risch is calling on Saakashvili’s party to reconsider its approach. They recalled that the task of the United National Movement is to return to parliament, and not to organize protests that only alienate voters.