**Georgian Dream Leader Attacks International Organizations**
Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of Georgia’s parliament, has launched a series of attacks against international organizations and foreign governments. During a press briefing on March 7, he accused ISFED, an organization that monitors elections in Georgia, of being “foreign-controlled”.
Papuashvili claimed that ISFED was not independent and that its reports were based on information from foreign organizations. He also attacked the US government for passing the MEGOBARI Act, which he called a “cynical” bill that actually targets the Georgian people.
**Foreign Diplomats in the Crosshairs**
Papuashvili also criticized foreign diplomats for interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs. He accused the Lithuanian ambassador of trying to put pressure on the judiciary by attending court hearings, and called him a “government inspector”.
He also attacked the British ambassador, Gareth Ward, saying that he was involved in an alleged campaign against the ruling Georgian Dream party during the pre-election period.
**US-Georgia Relations Tense**
The MEGOBARI Act has caused tensions between Georgia and the US. Papuashvili suggested that instead of passing this legislation, the US Congress should investigate the activities of USAID.
He also implied that the US was ungrateful to Georgia for sending a substantial contingent to NATO operations in Afghanistan, and called the bill an “ungrateful act” because it targets the Georgian people and government.
**Reactions**
The attacks by Papuashvili have been met with criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties. They argue that his statements are aimed at distracting attention from Georgia’s internal problems and that he is trying to undermine the country’s relations with foreign partners.
In response to the criticism, Papuashvili has said that he is standing up for Georgian sovereignty and that foreign governments should respect the country’s independence.
