Zourabichvili Faces Parliamentary Hearing, Amid Tensions

The Parliamentary Committees for Foreign Relations and Integration into Europe convened Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili to brief the lawmakers on October 18 about the recent developments in the Foreign Ministry and the country?s foreign policy. This hearing will take place amid war of words between the Ministry and leading parliamentarians from the ruling National Movement party.

Lawmakers from the National Movement party, including Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze, harshly criticized the Foreign Ministry for the latter?s reaction to criticism voiced by leading MPs over the Foreign Ministry?s delay in submitting a Framework Convention on National Minorities to the Parliament. When MP Davit Kirkitadze accused Salome Zourabichvili of negligence, the Foreign Ministry responded on October 14 by issuing a statement condemning ?the criticism of a person who is a top official.?

?I will not tolerate disrespect towards the Parliament from any Ministry, from any Minister or from any official? It seems that the person who made this statement do not understand what is the Parliament?s function and role. It seems that they are also not well aware of the Georgian Constitution,? Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told reporters on October 17. 

?I do not remember a case when the Foreign Ministry makes a protest statement in address of its country?s Parliament,? Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Relations Kote Gabashvili said on October 17.

?The person who made the decision to make this statement should be punished. It does not matter who is this person is ? the Minister, Deputy Minister or just an aide,? Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Integration into Europe David Bakradze said on October 17.

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