In Georgia, opposition calls to recall Herbert Salber, co-chair of Geneva Discussions

The activities of Herbert Salber, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the co-chairman of the Geneva Discussions, who congratulated Anatoly Bibilov on his victory at the presidential election in South Ossetia, harm Georgia. This was stated by the opposition "United National Movement" (UNM) Party. The Georgian authorities should request the recall of the Herbert Salber's mandate, believes Tinatin Khidasheli, the former Georgian Minister of Defence.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Herbert Salber has stated that he, like the European Union (EU) as a whole, does not recognize the election held in South Ossetia and supports the territorial integrity of Georgia within the internationally recognized borders.

"The continuation of the activities of this diplomat harms the interests of our country and the strategic relations of Georgia and the European Union," notes the "UNM" Party in its statement.

According to political analyst Nika Chitadze, Professor at the Black Sea International University, the Herbert Salber's actions can be characterized as incompetent.

"His congratulations to Anatoly Bibilov and his statement voiced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) contradict each other," noted Nika Chitadze. He has also added that unqualified diplomats can harm both Georgia and the EU.

"Moreover, it is also dangerous in the context of the fact that there are opinions in the EU voiced in favour of recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as parties to the conflict. And that would be the Russia's victory," stated Nika Chitadze.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.