French ambassador in Tbilisi sparks controversy over secret NGO meeting

French Ambassador to Georgia, Olivier Courteaud, has come under scrutiny after reportedly holding a secret meeting with representatives from approximately 15 non-governmental organisations, including the Young Lawyers Association and the Centre for Strategic Analysis. 

The gathering took place not at the French embassy but in a private apartment in Tbilisi, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media, including Rustavi 2 TV.

Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani criticised the meeting, stating, “Such hidden contacts with these organisations cannot be considered beneficial for a diplomat, as they raise questions about his own reputation. We are particularly concerned about why it was necessary to meet in secret with groups involved in anti-Georgian and anti-constitutional activities.”

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream MP Levan Machavariani has called on the ambassador and the French embassy to provide explanations regarding the secretive meeting.

By Tamilla Hasanova