““Ukraine is disappointed by the decision of the Georgian government to suspend negotiations on joining the EU until 2028. This decision, as well as the use of force against a peaceful protest, is evidence of the curtailment of democratic processes in the country in favor of Moscow.””, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
“Ukraine is disappointed by the decision of the Georgian government to suspend negotiations on EU accession until 2028. This decision, as well as the use of force against a peaceful protest, is evidence of the curtailment of democratic processes in the country in favor of Moscow. It is not for nothing that the leadership of Georgia has already received public praise from the Kremlin for acting contrary to the European choice of its own people,” said the statement released on November 29.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the aggravation of the domestic political situation in Georgia is “a consequence of numerous violations” in the parliamentary elections on October 26, and called for an investigation of all violations recorded by international observers, and the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“We call on the government of Georgia to respect the aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people to be an integral part of a free and democratic Europe, and to return to the implementation of all the reforms necessary for the country to become a member of the EU,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized.
Georgian security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters outside the parliament in Tbilisi in the early hours of November 29. Dozens of protesters were detained, several people, including journalists from Radio Liberty and other mass media, were injured.
Georgia’s parliament raised security to the highest level as thousands gathered to protest Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that his government is suspending EU accession talks until 2028 and will not accept budget grants from Brussels.
Georgia has been in disarray since October’s parliamentary election, in which the ruling Georgian Dream party won 54 percent of the vote, with the opposition and Western governments claiming the vote was marred by irregularities and Russian influence.