**France Names New Ambassador to Georgia Amid Strained Relations**
In a move that has significant implications for the already tense relationship between France and Georgia, President Emmanuel Macron’s government has appointed Olivier Courteaud as the new French Ambassador to Tbilisi. This development comes after outgoing Ambassador Sheraz Gasri announced her departure from the post earlier this year.
According to a presidential decree published on August 7, Courteaud is a highly experienced civil servant with a background in intelligence and security roles within the French government. Before taking up his new role, he served as the First Counsellor at the French Embassy in Jordan around 2015. Unfortunately, there is limited publicly available information about the ambassador-designate’s work experience.
The timing of Courteaud’s appointment could not be more significant. Relations between Georgia and EU countries have been under strain due to the Georgian Dream (GD) government’s increasing authoritarian tendencies. The French government has repeatedly criticized these actions, which have led to a deterioration in ties between Paris and Tbilisi. Outgoing Ambassador Gasri was at the forefront of this criticism, facing numerous attacks from Georgian officials, including Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
**Tensions Between Georgia and EU Countries Continue to Rise**
The nomination of Courteaud as the new French Ambassador also coincides with the appointment of a new Georgian ambassador to France. Career diplomat Irakli Kurashvili has taken up this role, which had been vacant since last May following the resignation of Gocha Javakhishvili in protest over Georgia’s reintroduction of the foreign agents law.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how Courteaud will navigate the complex and sensitive situation. As he takes up his new post, it is essential that he maintains a neutral stance while pushing for democratic values and human rights in Georgia.
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