The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has clarified that the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi, in which Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili made an entry, was opened at the initiative of the Iranian side.
The clarification follows criticism from the Israeli Embassy, which called the Deputy Minister’s participation in the event “morally inappropriate.”
The Georgian Foreign Ministry says the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran officially contacted them on June 26 with a diplomatic note requesting the opening of a book of condolences for Iranian citizens who had died.
“In response, an appropriate entry was made in the condolence book on the same day,” the Ministry said in a statement.
They also recalled an earlier official statement issued on June 13 in response to growing tensions in the Middle East: “We are deeply concerned by the growing tensions in the Middle East, which pose a threat to regional security. We particularly emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts to ensure de-escalation and stability.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy had stated that Deputy FM Khvtisiashvili had signed the condolence book and expressed solidarity with Iran. The Embassy also noted that the event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, religious figures, and members of the Iranian and Georgian-Iranian communities.
Related story: Israeli Embassy slams Georgian deputy FM for attending Iranian solidarity event
