(AGENPARL) – Rome, June 25, 2019 – We interviewed Lali Panchulidze, 34, graduated in languages  ​​and literature, master’s degree in pedagogy, international PR, descended from an ancient Georgian noble Orthodox family, worked as a consultant in the lawyer’s law firm Renato Maturo of Milan, is president of ACIGEA (international ecumenical Christian cultural association Italy – Georgia – Eurasia) and delegate of Real Casa Bagrationi Imereti of Georgia.

QUESTION. Ten years ago in 2009, Princess Anna, daughter of Prince Nugzar, married Prince Bagrationi David of Mukhrani in the Sameba Cathedral of Tbilisi. A marriage blessed by Ilia II who has desired the restoration of the Monarchy. To feed a possible restoration, was the modification of the official name of the State, changed from “Republic of Georgia” into “Georgia”. It is a necessary step towards national unity and democracy?

Mandilosani Lali Panchulidze Aznauri. The history of Georgia (Sakartvelo) and of the whole Caucasus coincide with that of the Bagratid dynasty which, for thirteen centuries, ruled over several principalities and kingdoms, defending Christian orthodoxy from all the repeated Persian, Mongolian and Ottoman invasions. The rooted identity and the strong character of my proud people are given by: language and alphabet, religious faith, patriotic and cavalier spirit. This is why our beloved wise Patriarch has proposed and continues to support the return of the traditional monarchy, as a historical symbol of our national unity. But being our homeland in a strategic position, in the middle of Eurasia, we are unfortunately also a geopolitical battleground for several foreign powers that do not want a strong and independent Georgia, let alone an Orthodox Christian monarchy. This is why the return of the monarchy has been hindered and slowed down several times, but by no means blocked. The Bagrationis, regardless of who the future King will be, will return to their ancient throne, at the service of our people and our little great nation.

QUESTION. A few days ago in his country there was a violent anti-Russian protest with 240 wounded that led to the resignation of the President of Parliament. What do you think of this incandescent situation where Russia has suspended flights to Georgia.

Mandilosani Lali Panchulidze Aznauri. As I have already said, on the skin of the Georgians they play more foreign powers that think only of their military and economic interests. Neighboring and also very distant states that influence, even economically, the political choices of the parties and of many political exponents … Georgians are a people of sincere patriots, even fiery, and often descending to the streets to demonstrate hard. Of course they should be careful not to be influenced by anyone, and to investigate, with more serenity and realism, triggering causes, real motivations and subsequent consequences of their actions. Russia is certainly the occupying country of 20% of our territory, but the one that was taking place in the parliament was an agreed international meeting of Orthodox parliamentarians. We say that the organization was not the most intelligent … We are anthropologically a people of warriors, that in many centuries, has never bent its head and has always fought against much stronger and numerous enemies, the struggle is in our DNA. The announced closure of flights to Georgia I think is only a provocation, because the Russians love Georgia, our culture and our cuisine, and there are hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to us and we welcome them with open arms, because politics must not ruin friendship between peoples. Moreover, our ACIGEA association organizes various tourist and cultural trips to our splendid Georgia, for all needs, even for Italian entrepreneurs interested in investing or creating solid business relationships.

QUESTION. There will apparently be political elections next year. Since 2008, Moscow and Tbilisi have interrupted diplomatic relations after the war. Since then the Kremlin has recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abhazia, two separatist republics of Georgia. Is the monarchy the only way to reunify the country?

Mandilosani Lali Panchulidze Aznauri. Abkhazia and Samachablo (which you call South Ossetia) have always been Georgian lands and must return to the motherland, period, there are no other truths. Our goal, like all good patriots, is the return to the great Georgia in its historical boundaries that correspond to those of our Patriarchate. The difference is on how to achieve this common goal. I do not believe that by giving space to distant USA or entering NATO we will improve this situation, indeed, we risk a consolidation of hostilities with neighboring Russia. I am convinced that only a free, autonomous, independent Georgia with a strong federal monarchy, a clear Orthodox Christian identity, can guarantee our national unity, peace and development. Georgia must be equidistant from the two bellicose superpowers, enter the European Union, return to being the geopolitical arbiter of the entire Cauacas region, cooperate with Armenia, mediate with Turkey and Persia. This is our natural role as a regional power. Therefore, Georgia needs a new ruling class of true patriots, prepared and responsible, in this sense the group of Georgian university and university students abroad, led by Erekle Shildeli, is a great hope for our future. But I, frankly, regardless of your kind questions, I deal with culture, tourism, art, music, fashion and food and wine which are, yes, real instruments of dialogue, peace and collaboration between peoples.