“Greatest evil”: Georgian speaker criticises NGO system in Eastern Europe

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has described the system of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) introduced in Eastern European democracies as the “greatest evil” created by the West.

He accused such organisations of serving foreign influence rather than local populations, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“American security strategy asserts that European countries have become governments of minorities. For years, efforts have been made to portray NGOs they create and fund as representative of society. This system was imposed on developing countries. The lobbying groups that control them pursue their own interests,” Papuashvili said.

Commenting on the possibility of a meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for Sustainable Development” in Turkmenistan, Papuashvili stressed that Georgia is willing to engage only with parties that respect its national interests.

“The national interest of the Georgian people encompasses two main objectives — the country’s reunification and the improvement of citizens’ welfare. We do not hold dialogue with those who do not respect these interests,” he said.

Papuashvili reiterated that Georgia has no diplomatic relations with Russia and will not engage in dialogue until its territorial integrity is restored. Currently, political dialogue with Moscow is maintained exclusively through the Geneva International Discussions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev