On November 3, Diplomat's Day, President Salome Zourabichvili criticized Georgia's ambassadors, stating she could not offer congratulations on this occasion. According to her, most Georgian diplomats are witnessing the authorities "trampling" on the country's European path and are hiding away in embassies.
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"I can't congratulate you on Diplomacy Day! Although it was my initiative 20 years ago to establish this important date, associated with the name and work of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani - a figure whose legacy we should proudly celebrate! Especially as Sulkhan-Saba is a key figure in our European aspirations and our European path, which we can only reach through diplomacy.
But no, there is no reason for congratulations, no desire to celebrate, no feeling of pride! Today, it is almost embarrassing to mention him when the government is trampling on the longed-for European path, while the majority of diplomats remain silent about steps taken toward Russia and do not protest.
Meanwhile, you - the silent ambassadors of Georgia - are stationed in Brussels, Washington, and various other European capitals, and for what purpose? If you don’t have the courage to resign, to raise your voice, or to express a different opinion, then what are you left with? Are you so afraid?
What peace, what dignity, what professionalism? Peace is at risk when diplomacy is lacking! Freedom is at risk when those serving the state are afraid of their own country! And independence is at risk when those responsible for alerting our partners pretend not to notice Russia's hybrid actions! You remain petrified, disappeared, hidden in embassies, like members of secret societies. No one hears from you; you did not protect the constitutionally guaranteed right of immigrants to vote in elections, and you stay hidden… But let no one remember you even exist!
History will not forget you - and leave Sulkhan-Saba! You cannot help but invoke his name, using his shadow!" wrote Salome Zourabichvili on her personal Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili congratulated Georgian diplomats on their professional day. He remarked that it is symbolic that this day is linked to the name of a great Georgian public figure, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani - a diplomat who journeyed to Europe three centuries ago. "The European aspirations of modern Georgia are, in a way, a continuation and result of his efforts. The progress we have made in recent years in this direction is thanks to the dedicated work of Georgian diplomats," said Darchiashvili, expressing his gratitude to the diplomats.
