Georgian FM accuses MEPs of fueling divisions in Georgia

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday criticised members of the European Parliament, accusing them of contributing to divisions within Georgian society while publicly calling for depolarisation.

Botchorishvili made the remarks while commenting on the European Parliament’s recently adopted report on Georgia prepared by MEP Rasa Juknevičienė.

She argued that European parliamentarians were using various mechanisms and tools to further fragment Georgian society, despite repeatedly emphasising the need to reduce political polarisation.

“On the one hand, they speak to us about polarisation, while on the other hand they use every mechanism and means available to make our society even more fragmented, more divided and more confrontational”, Botchorishvili said.

She added that it was regrettable that such actions were being carried out by members of the European Parliament and institutions of the European Union.

“It is truly unfortunate that this is happening through the actions of European parliamentarians and EU institutions”, she stated.

The European Parliament adopted Rasa Juknevičienė’s report on Georgia. The report was approved by 436 votes in favour and 145 against.

The report adopted by the European Parliament discusses sanctions against representatives of the Georgian authorities.

The European Parliament also calls on EU member states to refrain from holding meetings with the ruling Georgian Dream party. The document further discusses sanctions against television broadcasters, including Imedi TV.

In addition, according to the resolution, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to establish a mechanism that would allow civil society activists, journalists and students to retain visa-free access to the European Union.