Georgian PM: problems in European bureaucracy reflected in ambassadors’ actions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday told journalists that summoning an ambassador was a form of diplomatic measure toward a state, noting that every ambassador represents their country.

“All ambassadors represent a state, and when you summon an ambassador, you are using a diplomatic measure toward that state. This is logical”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister added that there were serious problems within European bureaucracy, which was reflected in the actions of foreign ambassadors.

“Not all behave as the EU, UK and German ambassadors. Regarding summoning, this is a diplomatic measure. Ambassadors do not act independently. We are saying that the European bureaucracy is currently in a difficult state, and this concerns not only EU bodies but also the relevant state bodies. There are serious problems in European bureaucracy, and this is expressed in what ambassadors are doing”, he concluded.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on Thursday summoned the British Ambassador to the country. The discussion is reportedly related to a possible violation of the Vienna Convention.

Yesterday, the Georgian Foreign Ministry also summoned Germany’s Ambassador Peter Fischer.

According to the Ministry, during the meeting, the Ambassador was reminded that under Article 41, clause 1 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, members of a diplomatic mission are obliged to respect the laws and regulations of a host state and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.