Georgian FM criticises European partners for interfering in internal affairs

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has said that the current situation in relations with the EU is unfavourable, but certain circumstances can change and entirely new opportunities may arise. 

“The dynamics of cooperation have recently significantly changed,” she said, Caliber.Az citing Georgian media.

"Our traditional partners, allies, and friends have become the first critics and, one might say, the flag-bearers of interference in Georgia's internal affairs and pressure exertion. In this case, I am referring to our European partners. The basis for their actions is a separate issue. I attribute this to the increased security challenges in our region, referring to the broader European region. The fact is that there are certain fears, and these fears can explain the heightened reactions some of our partners have towards Georgia," she said, adding that these changes provide an important lesson for Georgia that will be beneficial for normalising relations in the future.

"The current situation is unfavorable. No one is pleased with the relations between Georgia and the EU. However, we firmly believe that certain circumstances, based on the statements we have heard, may soon change, and entirely new opportunities will emerge," the minister said.

Botchorishvili emphasised that communication with European partners continues through diplomatic channels.

"We always say that cooperation should evolve into a format in which relationships develop under normal conditions. This is necessary. If there is something to be said, it must be said, but there are certain ways to do so. When statements are made that are quite offensive, and we are forced to hear them, followed by resolutions being adopted, it becomes difficult to bring everything back to the negotiation table and discuss it seriously. However, we are doing that," the minister noted.

Botchorishvili explained that this communication and dialogue must continue, as without it, the development of relations is impossible.

Earlier, Bochorishvili emphasised the importance of maintaining peace for Georgia, stressing that the country is proceeding cautiously to avoid worsening the situation. 

"Peace is very important for Georgia. We have experienced several wars over the past 30 years, and there are still internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Tbilisi, waiting to return to their homes," Bochorishvili said.

She explained that the government must act carefully due to the current regional tensions to avoid any situation that could create serious problems or challenges for the country. At the same time, Bochorishvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to its European foreign policy course.

“Our decision to temporarily not prioritize negotiations with the European Union does not mean we are abandoning our European integration process or that we no longer wish to join the EU. We simply want to prevent this issue from being used to fuel internal polarization or for political purposes by groups whose actions could destabilize Georgia,” she explained.

Bochorishvili also addressed the double standards she believes are applied to Georgia’s situation. "We are dealing with double standards when assessing events in Georgia or comparing our policies with those of other countries," she said.

She pointed out that Georgia often faces one-sided assessments, which she believes leads to a distorted understanding of the country and its ongoing developments.

By Naila Huseynova