German MEP says Georgia’s sovereignty must be protected, criticises EU’s current approach

Tomasz Froelich, a German member of the European Parliament, on Saturday said that Georgia’s sovereignty must be protected, further criticising the European Union’s current approach toward the country.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Froelich expressed concern over what he described as the EU’s “incorrect” handling of relations with Georgia, accusing Peter Fischer, Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, of interfering in Georgia’s internal political affairs.

“According to our information, the German Ambassador [Peter Fischer] is interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs, and this should not happen. We need clarification. We know that he has many meetings with opposition representatives but does not meet with the government. This disrupts the balance. We need an explanation. It is not in our interest for the German Ambassador to interfere in the political activities of another country in this way”, he said.

The MEP noted that this kind of diplomatic behaviour went against the Vienna Convention, which prohibits diplomats from interfering in the internal politics of host countries.

“According to the Vienna Convention, it is prohibited for a diplomat to hold such discussions with the opposition, and therefore we are requesting additional information”, Froelich continued.

He emphasised that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had officially requested an explanation from the German Government and is awaiting a formal response.

“We have raised questions with the German Government and are awaiting a response. We have not yet received answers. If this is true, and he is interfering in another country’s affairs, then personal measures must be taken. Georgia’s sovereignty must be protected. What the EU is doing with Georgia now is simply wrong, as they do not recognise the will of the majority of the people”, he concluded.

Questions about Peter Fischer’s activities and controversial actions have already arisen in Germany. The issue is being investigated by the country’s most popular and highly rated party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is seeking answers from the Foreign Ministry.