Georgian PM: failing to recognise democratically elected Government amounts to attack on country’s sovereignty

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said that refusing to recognise a government elected by the people amounted to an attack on a country’s sovereignty, adding that Georgia would oppose such policies and work to ensure recognition of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze noted that all actors should recognise Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We pursue a policy against non-recognition in various directions, and we are prepared to pursue such a policy with regard to the European Parliament as well. The Russian Federation and four other states do not recognise Georgia’s sovereignty over Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. Similarly, the European Parliament does not recognise Georgia’s sovereignty across its entire territory. That is their choice. We pursue a policy against non-recognition”, he said.

“When you do not recognise a government elected by the people, it means an attack on the country's sovereignty. We will oppose this policy. Our task is to ensure that everyone recognises Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, both the Russian State Duma and the European Parliament, and we will work toward that goal”, Kobakhidze added.

The Prime Minister also criticised the European Parliament, saying its current state, spirit and methods resembled those of the Supreme Soviet of the former Soviet Union.