France has recalled two intelligence officers from Georgia following an espionage-related case that has reportedly strained relations between the two countries, according to French publication Intelligence Online, as cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Georgian Service.
Based on the report, the two officers were withdrawn from Georgia in May. The move reportedly came against the backdrop of the arrest of a former associate of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty notes that the description refers to Giorgi Udzilauri, the former press secretary of Cartu Bank and a former senior official of Georgia’s Financial Police, who was arrested on May 5 on espionage charges.
Intelligence Online reports that an operation carried out by Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG) led to tensions between Tbilisi and Paris.
“The French foreign intelligence service was forced to recall two intelligence officers from Tbilisi to Paris,” the publication reported.
The report further claims that the Georgian authorities chose not to declare the French intelligence officers persona non grata in an effort to avoid a further deterioration of diplomatic relations. Instead, they reportedly demanded that France withdraw the officers from the country.
Based on the publication, Georgian authorities also warned that if the request was not fulfilled, the identities of the officers could be made public.
Neither the Georgian authorities nor the French government have publicly commented on the reported claims.
