Burjanadze Criticizes Russia at Duma Anniversary

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Russian State Duma, the lower house of the Parliament, in St. Petersburg on April 27, Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze criticized Russia for pursuing a “double-standard policy” and for banning the import of Georgian wine.

Her speech was interrupted several times by the banging of fists on desks, mainly by Russian parliamentarians from the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party and MP Alexey Mitrofanov in particular.

In her speech Nino Burjanadze expressed regret that she could not congratulate the Russian lawmakers at the State Duma’s anniversary with Georgian wine.

“We hope that economic relations will develop for the benefit of both states… I am more than confident that a time will come when we all celebrate common events based on joint democratic values. The time will come when the force of truth will prevail over the truth of force. And I sincerely wish this for you,” Nino Burjanadze said on April 27.

“Everyone should understand in Russia that it is impossible to ensure safety and stability without promoting security in the South Caucasian states. We all need a new Caucasian policy; we should fight against separatism, not verbally but in practice. As soon as Russia rejects the double standards policy and acts as a mediator in the conflict, the Caucasian policy will become clear and successful for Russia itself,” she said.