Georgian Parliament official says disputes should be resolved in courtrooms, not embassy corridors

Mariam Lashkhi, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s education, science, and youth affairs committee, on Tuesday commented on a meeting between opposition leaders and diplomats at the British Embassy, saying political disputes should be addressed in court rather than in embassy corridors.

“Unfortunately, they have failed to learn from experience that, if they want to establish themselves in the political arena, they must first represent the Georgian people, take responsibility before them and engage with them. Disputes should be addressed in courtrooms, not in embassy corridors. They are carrying out foreign assignments and are accountable to their so-called foreign partners”, Lashkhi noted.

A meeting between opposition leaders and diplomats was underway at the British Embassy. According to available information, British Ambassador Gareth Ward, German Ambassador Peter Fischer and French Ambassador Olivier Courteau were attending. The opposition was represented by Badri Japaridze, Irakli Pavlenishvili, Giga Bokeria and Nika Gvaramia.

The meeting was reportedly focused on the constitutional lawsuit seeking to ban five opposition parties.