4 Georgian MPs Call for Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

Four Georgian parliamentarians have openly stated that Georgia should follow the example of the United States, and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Three of the four - Shota Shalelashvili, Zviad Kvachantiradze and Simon Nozadze are the MPs of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD), while one MP, Irma Inashvili, is from the opposition party Alliance of Patriots of Georgia.

Initially, the idea was proposed by the GD MP Shalva Shalelashvili, who addressed the Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili with an open letter, asking to take the same steps as the US.

“We should confirm our firm commitment to the decision of Georgia’s strategic partner and friendly state the US,” his letter reads.

Shalelashvili believes that by this step, Georgia can become a participant of the most important global political process with the US.

The appeal resulted in much criticism from the Georgian politicians, diplomats and experts towards the MP, who at the same time holds citizenship of Georgia, Israel and Russia.

Soon after the initiative, the other three MPs stated their support Shalelashvili, saying his initiative is “progressive.”

MP Kvachantiradze posted on Facebook that the decision of the US President Donald Trump was “very courageous and bold.”

“Georgia should do the same,” he added.

Meanwhile, GD Majoritarian MP Simon Nozadze openly expressed his respect towards Shalelashvili, and offered his support to the Jewish people.

“Mr. Shalelashvili, the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia stands by your side,” opposition MP Inashvili wrote in her post.

PM Kvirikashvili denounced the appeal of Shalelashvili, explaining the issue is “very sensitive.”
“Georgia will state its position on the basis of its national interests, considering the international situation and the threats that exist in the region,” said Kvirikashvili.

By Thea Morison

Relates story:

Official Tbilisi: We Support Peaceful Resolution of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict