Georgian PM cancels meeting with Finnish FM due to visiting official’s participation in illegal rally, false statements

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday canceled a scheduled meeting with Finland’s visiting Foreign Minister due to her participation in an illegal rally and false statements made on Tuesday.

“Due to participation in an illegal rally and making false statements, the Prime Minister canceled the scheduled meeting with the Finnish Foreign Minister”, the Georgian Government’s statement said.

During her visit to Georgia, the OSCE Chairperson and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen joined demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue and spoke with those gathered outside the Parliament building.

She further published a social media post in support of protesters, writing that “peaceful demonstrators have gathered to express concern over the country’s repressive course”.