Georgian PM: Eurocrats show double standards on Russia communication

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday criticised what he described as double standards in the European Union’s approach, noting that Eurocrats previously labelled the Georgian Government as “pro-Russian” despite the absence of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia.

Kobakhidze commented on reports that the EU was considering appointing a special representative to engage in negotiations with Russia.

“In general, we see double standards everywhere in EU policy, which is very regrettable. You remember the reactions towards Georgia - at a time when we did not even have diplomatic relations with Russia, these people, European bureaucrats, were managing to label our Government as a Russian one, and so on. This is, of course, a double standard. Now they themselves see that they need to establish communication with the Russian authorities”, he said.

The Prime Minister further noted that such inconsistencies were widespread in the policies pursued by European institutions.

“Naturally, the processes that have unfolded in the United States have also had an impact on this. Let us wait and see how events develop. It must be emphasised that we see double standards everywhere when it comes to the approach of the European bureaucracy”, he concluded.