Georgian PM: Dutch Ambassador’s meeting with Elene Khoshtaria violates Vienna Convention, encourages radicalism

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday accused the Dutch Ambassador of interfering in the domestic democratic process by meeting with opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria shortly before her detention, calling it an encouragement of radicalism and a violation of diplomatic norms.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze criticised the Ambassador’s actions, framing them as direct interference in Georgia’s electoral process and inappropriate for a diplomat representing a foreign state.

“This is a gross violation of the Vienna Convention, direct interference in democratic elections, and such behaviour is unbecoming of any ambassador”, Kobakhidze said.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday strongly criticised reports that the Dutch Ambassador to Georgia held an informal meeting with opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria shortly before her detention.

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Monday arrested the opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria for damaging campaign banners of Kakha Kaladze, the ruling Georgian Dream party's candidate for Tbilisi Mayor.