Salome Zurabishvili, the former president of Georgia, told her supporters that Western partners could shield the country from Russia’s influence, helping Georgia stand firm with Western backing. Appearance reported this account.
Zurabishvili stated she would attend the inauguration of the US president in Washington, after reportedly receiving an invitation from Congressman Joe Wilson. She emphasized that the trip would begin in Zugdidi, a western Georgian city, before the ceremony in the American capital.
She added that Georgia has many friends in Washington who could assist in keeping the country safe from the northern threat she described as the enemy. The remarks underscored a belief that Washington’s political friends would support Georgia through difficult times.
Zurabishvili urged supporters to continue street protests in the country and to maintain visibility abroad. She argued that foreign aid would be linked to developments inside Georgia, tying external support to internal actions as part of a broader strategic calculus.
Earlier, as her term as president neared its end on December 29, she asked not to be called a former president. The clarification reflected a wish to remain an active voice in Georgia’s political conversations during the transition.
Earlier reports described Zurabishvili as a Kissinger Fellow at the McCain Institute in the United States. Evelina Farkas, the executive director of the institute, said Zurabishvili embodies the political courage and public administration ideals associated with the Kissinger Fellowship, highlighting her experience on the international stage.
Previously, Georgia’s new president submitted the country’s application to join the European Union, signaling a continued push toward closer ties with Western institutions. The move followed years of debate about Georgia’s strategic direction, including security considerations with Russia, energy partnerships, and the country’s aspirations for EU membership and NATO alignment. The decision placed Georgia at the center of debates about regional stability and Western integration, with observers noting that foreign support could influence both domestic politics and international perceptions of Georgia’s path forward.