Georgian PM calls for political dialogue with EU to improve relations

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said he expected the European Commission’s upcoming enlargement report to be similar to last year’s, arguing that there had been no significant change in the Commission’s approach.

“Probably, the new report will be similar to last year’s, given that we see no substantial change in the European Commission’s approach, which is very regrettable”, Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister reiterated his criticism of double standards and unfair treatment of the Georgian people, saying that the situation had not changed.

He further addressed a question about which side should take the initiative to restore relations to their previous level.

“Both sides must take steps, and we have a very clear and simple proposal: let’s start a dialogue. In our view, this dialogue should take place at the political level, because ultimately, politicians make decisions on both sides. Therefore, it is fundamentally important for the dialogue to begin at the political level”, the Prime Minister said.

“Second, what is essential to us is that this dialogue and discussion be open and public, including to Georgian society. This is our proposal, and I think it is an absolutely ideal one. No issue can be resolved without dialogue”, Kobakhidze continued.

He concluded by emphasising that if there is a genuine desire to improve relations, representatives of European institutions should readily agree to the Georgian government’s proposal.

“We do not know why this proposal cannot receive a positive response. If there is a genuine desire to improve relations, representatives of European institutions should readily agree to our proposal, because dialogue cannot have any drawbacks”, Kobakhidze said.