Eduard Shevardnadze quotes

Eduard Shevardnadze was a Georgian politician and diplomat, widely recognized for his role as Soviet Foreign Minister during the 1980s. His efforts contributed to the end of the Cold War and major reforms in Soviet foreign policy. He later served as President of Georgia, playing a key role in the country’s transition after the Soviet era. Here are 31 of his quotes:

You know, to address crowds and make promises does not require very much brains.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I think my resignation was the only way to avoid bloodshed.

Eduard Shevardnadze

As for myself, I was never against Russia.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I believe politicians should always remain realistic.

Eduard Shevardnadze

We also have a real opportunity to join NATO.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I am not responsible for the actions of Saakashvili and even for those of Gamsakhurdia.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I was a member of the Politburo for seven years, a foreign minister.

Eduard Shevardnadze

In my life I have always found ways of dealing with a situation.

Eduard Shevardnadze

But eradicating corruption is not enough to sustain a country.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I believe that with the help of foreign countries - and under that condition only, because they have no other source of financing - the new government may temporarily extricate Georgia from the current situation.

Eduard Shevardnadze

But on second thought, after I decreed the state of emergency, I came to the conclusion that that was impossible to achieve without bloodshed because the street protesters were full of anger and nearly out of control. This is why I thought we needed to find another way out.

Eduard Shevardnadze

No Georgian has the right to evade or neglect his duties and responsibilities.

Eduard Shevardnadze

But the Americans have no extra money. They have their own problems. They can provide financial assistance for two, three, four, or six months at most.

Eduard Shevardnadze

Now, the entire world community recognizes Georgia. We are members of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Everything is being prepared so that we will soon enter the European Union.

Eduard Shevardnadze

Even the pyramids might one day disappear, but not the Palestinians longing for their homeland.

Eduard Shevardnadze

Prospects of normalizing our relations with Russia look good.

Eduard Shevardnadze

Germany is determined to provide substantial help. So are the Netherlands and other states. But a day will come when we have to count on our own resources.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I'm sure that was the right step, even though, formally speaking, it may seem disadvantageous for a president to resign. But, looking into what is happening today and what is going to happen in the future, I think history will show I made the right decision.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I couldn't stand the idea of bloodshed, casualties.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I don't plan to return. I have a lot of unresolved things to do.

Eduard Shevardnadze

I don't want to go down in history as a man who allowed blood to be shed.

Eduard Shevardnadze

It is absolutely impossible to settle the debts to pensioners, teachers, and others. The country hasn't got enough money to do so.

Eduard Shevardnadze