**French Ambassador Urges Georgian Government to Respect Democratic Values**
On July 14, French Ambassador to Georgia Sheraz Gasri marked France’s National Day with a farewell address in Tbilisi. In her remarks, she called on the Georgian Dream government to take steps towards democracy and respect for human rights.
Gasri specifically asked the government to release politicians, journalists, and activists who are being unfairly detained, repeal laws that restrict individual freedoms, and reverse its current authoritarian course of action. The ambassador emphasized the importance of these actions in line with France’s founding principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
**Hope for Georgia’s Democratic Future**
As Gasri concludes her diplomatic term, she expressed hope that the Georgian people will come together to defend their democratic and European future. She invoked French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to standing by Georgia on its path towards Europe and in its quest for Liberty.
Gasri also highlighted the value of equality by pointing out the initiatives taken by the French Embassy in Georgia, such as financial support for women entrepreneurs and rural small businesses, as well as contributions to the development of pediatric care.
**Celebrating Cultural Bond between France and Georgia**
The ambassador celebrated the cultural bond between France and Georgia, emphasizing that their people will continue to move ahead together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect. She also noted that this bond should bring nations closer and safer, beyond narrow interests, conspiracy theories, and propaganda.
**Reactions from Georgian Government**
The Georgian Dream government has faced criticism for its anti-European rhetoric and targeting France in particular. A recent statement from the Georgian Dream political council rejected EU criticism, naming France among countries that persecute political opposition.
Gasri’s efforts to support Georgian civil society have not gone unnoticed. In April, Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticized her for awarding a grant to the Soviet Past Research Laboratory (SovLab), accusing it of indirectly funding rallies and calling SovLab’s leaders politicians and representatives of radical parties.
**Solidarity with Journalists and Activists**
The French envoy has also drawn attention for her visible solidarity with journalists and activists. On March 4, Gasri was present at the trial of Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of the independent outlet Batumelebi/Netgazeti.
As Gasri concludes her term as French Ambassador to Georgia, she leaves behind a legacy of promoting democratic values and advocating for human rights in the country. Her efforts will be remembered by many who are fighting for freedom and equality in Georgia.
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