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Over 100 Georgian diplomats criticize suspension of EU accession talks 

Georgian diplomats condemn govt’s decision to suspend EU accession talks

14:50, 29.11.2024
  Reuters/TVP World;
Georgian diplomats condemn govt’s decision to suspend EU accession talks Over 100 serving Georgian diplomats have signed an open letter criticizing the new government’s suspension of EU accession talks, a diplomat said on Friday, after a protest against the move led to overnight clashes on the capital’s streets.

Over 100 serving Georgian diplomats have signed an open letter criticizing the new government’s suspension of EU accession talks, a diplomat said on Friday, after a protest against the move led to overnight clashes on the capital’s streets.

Government's decision on Thursday to suspend EU membership talks sparked widespread protests. Photo: Daro Sulakauri/Getty Images.
Government's decision on Thursday to suspend EU membership talks sparked widespread protests. Photo: Daro Sulakauri/Getty Images.

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The diplomats said the decision, announced by the ruling Georgian Dream party on Thursday, violated the country’s constitutional commitment to pursuing EU membership.

“We believe that removing the opening of EU accession negotiations from the political agenda until 2028 contradicts the requirements of Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia,” the diplomats said in a joint statement, adding: “We remain committed to Georgia’s course of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.”

They added: “Without the support of Western partners, Georgia will continue to face threats, which will be particularly intensified against the backdrop of ongoing processes in the international and security environment.”

Paweł Herczyński, a Polish diplomat who acts as the EU’s envoy to Tbilisi, described the decision to freeze the accession talks as “very regrettable” and “heartbreaking.”

“What has happened yesterday clearly goes against the policy of the previous government of Georgia, actually all previous governments of Georgia; it also goes against the will of the vast majority of the population of Georgia,” he said.

He also condemned police violence against protesters at a pro-EU demonstration on Thursday night.

Gov’t committed to EU accession, says PM


Local media quoted Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze as accusing the EU envoy of “disinformation” and threatening a “diplomatic response.”

Kobakhidze also said that his government is committed to facilitating Georgia’s integration into the EU by the desired 2030 timeline.

He said: “Our approach to this goal is through peace, dignity and prosperity, not blackmail. We will not tolerate manipulation or attempts to divide our society through artificial means.”

Though Georgia is an EU candidate country, its relations with Brussels have deteriorated sharply in recent months amid accusations from EU politicians that Tbilisi is pursuing pro-Russian and authoritarian policies.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, which is seen as being controlled by its billionaire founder, ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has moved in recent years to deepen ties with Russia and China.

It also claimed victory in an October election with almost 54% of ballots cast, but opposition parties said the vote was fraudulent and refused to take their seats in parliament.

The European Parliament voted on Thursday to withhold recognition of the October election and called for sanctions on key Georgian Dream figures.