Foreign countries have nothing to do with staffing the justice system of Georgia, said the Speaker of Georgian Parliament, thus responding to the so-called “vetting” system related to justice reform.

“I think the opposition and several non-governmental organizations confirm the bad influence that excessive dependence on foreign money can have. Today, the opposition actually offers to give up sovereignty when it says that foreigners should appoint judges in Georgia. This goes against our 30 years of independence history, our historical aspirations for sovereignty and independence. This means that the state of Georgia does not exist for them. We want to be a bolt for others.

NGOs are also very active to involve foreigners in the appointment of judges. We understand the calls of donors to engage NGOs operating with their funding in the deliberations. When we engage them in discussions, these organizations suggest that we engage their donors in decision-making.

I think they want us to leave this country and let NGOs and donors run this country. It is slowly crossing all limits of respect for sovereignty, when donors tell us through the NGOs financed by them, that they should appoint judges in Georgia. I refer everyone to the Vienna Convention, and everyone must respect domestic politics and sovereignty. Of course, foreign countries have nothing to do with staffing the justice system of Georgia.

This is against not only formally our constitution but also our spirit of independence. That’s why we fought for independence. Do they think that we should not decide the fate of the country and appoint the court, but let foreign countries appoint them?! The opposition and the non-governmental sector have reached this level, and I think they are already very close to the red lines, beyond which the interests of Georgia are completely neglected”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.