Georgian Foreign Minister condemns use of visa-free travel suspension as political tool

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Sunday criticised the use of visa policies by the EU as a political tool, warning that the Georgian people were being threatened with potential restrictions to influence their political choices.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili noted that Brussels had already implemented this so-called ‘punitive measure’ regarding diplomatic passports, highlighting that “we continue to obtain visas, and there is no problem”.

“The issue is being used for one purpose only: as a political instrument against Georgia. It is a form of blackmail against the Georgian people - “I will cancel your visas if you do not act as I want, if you do not vote against your government, or if this government remains in power”, the FM said.

She also drew parallels with Russia, noting how Moscow leverages various issues, such as energy, as instruments of foreign policy.

“Today, there are people and political forces within the European Union who are lobbying for the same kind of political behaviour from the EU. In this case, what is the EU doing to us? It’s also politics - using visa-free travel as a political tool toward Georgia to influence political processes in the country”, she pointed out.

“The mechanism for suspending visa-free travel is still under consideration; it has not yet been approved, though it will likely be adopted. However, this is not about Georgia alone”, the FM continued.

She further expressed hope that this issue would eventually lose its function as a tool and would no longer be used to blackmail Georgian citizens.