Lečkumi Baksolâni
Tamara - Agausia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Iosebi Okṕovneli, is under intense scrutiny following new allegations that he made misogynistic remarks toward female diplomats during recent UN meetings. The claims, first reported by Diplomatic Line Weekly, come from multiple sources who say Okṕovneli insulted and dismissed several women in both formal and informal settings. Witnesses allege he referred to a junior European ambassador as “overpromoted and underdressed” and, in a separate exchange, told a South American delegate to “let the men talk numbers,” drawing audible discomfort in the room.
Okṕovneli, who has held his post since 2018, issued a written response through the Agausian Foreign Ministry late Wednesday, denying the accusations and calling them “false, politically motivated, and designed to discredit my record.” He stopped short of addressing the specific incidents, stating only that he remains committed to professionalism and equality in international diplomacy.
These new allegations have reignited long-standing concerns about Okṕovneli’s conduct, coming just two years after a separate controversy in February 2023, when he was accused of making antisemitic remarks during a speech at the UN General Assembly. At the time, Okṕovneli denied any intent to target Jewish communities, saying his words had been taken out of context and insisting he had long supported Jewish causes, including diplomatic visits to Israel and participation in synagogue services. While he managed to survive that scandal, many critics warned that it revealed deeper issues with his behavior and accountability.
While some lawmakers have rallied around Okṕovneli, accusing foreign media of bias and defending his record, the broader reaction has been one of concern. Observers note that repeated allegations of discriminatory behavior—first antisemitic, now sexist—are casting a long shadow over Agausia’s diplomatic credibility.
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