Azernews.Az

The Georgian government is experiencing a political crisis that threatens Georgia's international reputation, strategic reliability, and perhaps even its independence.

Ex-Assistant Secretary of State for South Caucasus, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Director of the International Centre for Defense Studies in Tallinn, Matthew Bryza made the remark while commenting on recent developments in Georgia.

"Longstanding tensions within the Georgian Dream movement now appear to be depriving Georgian Dream of many of its most experienced leaders, particularly those who have long fought for Georgia's integration into the transatlantic community, a goal that enjoys overwhelming support among Georgian voters," he told Trend.

"Whether this crisis affects Georgia's EU integration process depends on those who remain in the Georgian government," Bryza said.

He said that fortunately, shortly after his entire foreign policy team resigned, Prime Minister Garibashvili announced that the Georgian Government remains committed to implementing its EU Association agreement and maintaining Georgia's path toward integration with Europe.

Bryza said that Georgia's remaining leaders must therefore take difficult decisions to implement Georgia's EU association commitments or risk pursuing the goals of Moscow rather than the Georgian nation.

"Russia is making clear how deeply it opposes its immediate neighbors pursuing their own aspirations for deeper integration with the West," Bryza said.

Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and her deputies - David Zalkaliani, Tamar Beruchashvili, David Jalagania and Vladimer Gurgenidze have recently resigned.

Earlier, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili dismissed Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. He made this statement following a meeting of the political council of the "Georgian Dream" bloc.

After Alasania, his colleague and friend - State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili also resigned.