Weimar Triangle condemns violence in Georgia, announce sanctions on diplomatic travel

The foreign ministers of the Weimar Triangle – France, Germany, and Poland – have voiced deep concern over Georgia's political crisis after the October 26 elections and Georgian Dream's decision to halt EU accession.

"The Georgian Dream's political course represents a departure from the European path and undermines the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people," the ministers said in a joint statement on December 31, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The ministers strongly criticized the violence that erupted during protests in Georgia last week, targeting peaceful demonstrators, media personnel, and opposition leaders. They underscored the responsibility of Georgian authorities to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the threats and violence against political figures and call on the Georgian authorities to respect the right to assembly and media freedom," the statement read.

In response to what they described as “repression and democratic backsliding,” the ministers announced measures to downgrade EU and bilateral relations with Georgia.

"We will implement the EU decision to end visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders," they said, adding that additional sanctions at both EU and national levels are being considered.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and its election monitoring arm, ODIHR, reported widespread irregularities in Georgia’s October elections, further raising concerns over electoral integrity. "The elections were not conducted in line with the standards expected of an EU candidate," the statement said.

The Weimar Triangle ministers urged the Georgian government to engage in a national dialogue with political forces, civil society, and stakeholders to resolve the crisis and restore public trust.

“The calls for implementing OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and addressing the possibility of new elections must be taken seriously,” the ministers said.

Despite their criticism of the Georgian government, the ministers reiterated their commitment to the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people.

"We stand firmly with the people of Georgia in their pursuit of a European future," they concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev