UNM slams Ivanishvili for naming Armenia as model for ties with Russia, NATO.
President Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) party said on January 18 that PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s remarks that Armenia was "an example" for Georgia how it is possible to have good relations with both NATO and Russia was "alarming" and "dangerous".
"Armenia is our friendly state and I respect their choice, but Armenian path and its relation with Russia and NATO cannot serve as [a model] for Georgia; it is in conflict with Georgia’s state interests," UNM secretary general and former PM Vano Merabishvili said.
A senior UNM lawmaker Giorgi Gabashvili said that Armenia, which is a member of Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and which cooperates with NATO but does not seek its membership, cannot serve as a model for Georgia’s foreign policy.
"It would amount to U-turn in Georgia’s foreign policy," he said. "This is very alarming and very dangerous for Georgia."
Another UNM lawmaker Davit Darchiashvili said that "nothing more scandalous and alarming" than that had been said by new government since coming into power three months ago.
"If it was said because of lack of experience that’s also source of alarm," MP Darchiashvili said.
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said on January 18 that there were no changes in Georgia’s foreign policy.
"I do agree with the course that Georgia should try to have good relations with everyone. That’s what every normal country tries and many of them achieve it. What the PM said is that it’s desirable to have good relations with everyone," she said.
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