As the governor of the region that was the first casualty of the
2008 war, I am responding to the statements made yesterday by the Prime
Minister, precisely from the city of Gori.
I would like to urge him, firstly, that if he really does not
consider himself a politician (as he noted a number of times in previous speeches)
then perhaps he should do his best to avoid making political statements in the future.
My intention is not to contend every word or to offend anyone, but when a
person of such prominent political stature declares that the 2008 war was instigated
by Georgia, this damages our nation, hurting the unity of our society and the
image of our country.
Instead of vigorously pursuing a policy of non-recognition, the Prime
Minister denounced Georgia’s response to Russian provocations as “inappropriate”,
saying that the Russian military divisions had not yet crossed our borders when
we began firing upon them. These statements were made despite the fact that the
Tagliavini Report expressly stipulates that the reality was quite the opposite.
The Prime Minister stated that apparently the Russians demolished
a wall of a single house and in response, we waged a war. I ask our society and
the ruling coalition, I ask the Republicans and the Free Democrats, the Speaker
of the Parliament – Mr. David Usupashvili: should a sovereign nation allow such
destructive comments from its prime minister? Does it not bother you that these
careless – or perhaps clearly intentional – statements damage the interests of our
country? Or are you prepared to go as far as to destroy a nation because of hatred
towards your political opponents? Should
you not demand answers from your leader or at the very least advise him?
Perhaps he is not your leader, but your ruler?
I address the Republicans and the Free Democrats: for many years you
failed to gain trust of our society because you failed to make difficult and principled
decisions, afraid of falling out with pro-Russian Burjanadze, Noghaideli and
other such politicians. You were unable to show our people the future you had
envisioned and, despite the falling popularity of the United National Movement,
could not gain the trust of the people.
The only reason you are in government today is because of Ivanishvili’s money
and his resourceful campaign.
That is why I ask that you find the strength to objectively
appraise the situation, instead of blaming Saakashvili for your failures. Admit
that the lion’s share of responsibility for your failures is your own. Today, when the
fate of the country is in your hands, I ask that you assume more responsibility:
Detach yourselves from dark forces, hatred, populism and lack of principles –
the unprofessionalism! Detach yourselves if you wish to make real changes and avoid
backsliding into a communist inferno.
I would like to explain to our citizens and Mr. Ivanishvili: as
always, Mr. Prime Minister, you will retract your statements, but your apologies
will not bring results. What you have said has done its damage, and media all
over the globe is teeming with “confessional” statements of the Georgian
government’s leader.
You have been busy justifying Russian aggression for many months
now, trying to ease the conscience of the aggressor. The irony of the situation
is that your efforts have resulted only in renewed mockery. Allow me to remind
you of the new Russian barbed wires, the recent seizure of 30 hectares of land in
Jariasheni, a depraved partnership with the likes of Onishenko, and the fact
that other than our immediate neighbors – who do not really have a choice in
the matter no world leader has so far agreed to meet with you.
Your speech, however, received a great deal of attention; so much so
that Lavrov himself responded with promises of cooperation in trade, culture, and sports. This is the cynical “appreciation” your efforts deserve. Congratulations!
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to remind you, that in any
self-respecting country the Prime Minister would be forced to step down after such
commentary. Please take a moment to reflect on this.
I appreciate and understand the difficulty of the situation that
our country is in. I understand that a certain part of our society has placed its
hopes in the new government, feeling disillusioned with the United National
Movement. But what we heard yesterday from the Prime Minister goes beyond narrow
political preferences. This is a matter of our society’s honor and it is our
duty to defend it.
The “Georgian Dream” coalition, headed by the Prime Minister, is
attempting to confound our society with cheap populist slogans and unsustainable
economical promises while undermining the security and development potential
of our country. Georgia is not strong enough to survive such populism, especially
when it is serving Russian interests.
If we desire to preserve whatever honor we can, even in the eyes
of Russia, our society must vigorously protest such irresponsible statements.
If we are to build a democratic society, then our society must give its
unyielding opinion on the matter. This is yet another reason why on the 19th
of April the people of Shida Kartli should congregate in Tbilisi and demonstrate
to the entire international community that we will not abandon fundamental principles,
that we choose freedom and democracy, that we do not need messiahs but competent,
responsible leaders whom we shall hold accountable every day!
The United National Movement has led an incredible transformation
of Georgia in a matter of 8 years, but has also committed plenty of mistakes
and took many ineffective decisions, but never did it betray the fundamental
national interests of our country. Together with the damaging PR policies of
its political opponents and Russian intervention, these mistakes became the
reason for the defeat of the UNM in the Parliamentary elections.
I wholeheartedly salute the fact that Georgians were able to demonstrate
their free choice during the elections, but it is equally as important now to
build on that, to place more responsibility on those chosen by the majority of
voters of Georgia, and to make every election yet another step forward on the
road to freedom, democracy, and economic development.
For this reason, I wish to ask the Prime Minister of Georgia: do
not disappoint the hopes of our people, do not disregard the national interests
of our country. Those who are knowledgeable in politics can easily see the
future of Georgia and unfortunately, as a direct result of your statements, our
future does not look bright. Do not disengage from dialogue; do not destroy the
country because of hate. I ask of you that we build our beloved country
together and show rationalism and professionalism in our work, and an unselfish
love for Georgia.
Mr. Prime Minister, we have many difficult years ahead of us and
these difficulties are not only founded in our economy. Our main challenges lie
in the security of our country and the only way forward in our difficult
geopolitical position is for our society to unite. A unified society will bring
a better future. Do not segregate our society with irresponsible statements; do
not weaken the already shaky unity. Our people and history will not forgive
you, and I fear that it may be too tale at some point.
In closing, I wish to address our society: ladies and gentlemen,
let us unite not against someone or something, but unite for the strength and
development of our country, for solidarity, and consensus in our culture! There
is no weapon that could bring down a united society! There is no wiser leader
than a society that is capable of engaging in a dialogue! There is no judge more
austere than a tolerant society!
I express great hope that with resilience, the Georgian society shall
withstand this test – that the strength we need to create a better tomorrow for
our dear country lies not in some proclaimed messiah but in our society.
Andro Barnovi
Governor of Shida Kartli
11.04.2013
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