Georgian FM: statements from Brussels undermine Georgia-EU relations

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said that recent steps and statements from Brussels were undermining trust between partners and damaging relations between Georgia and the European Union.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Paweł Herczyński, the EU ambassador to Georgia, Botchorishvili said the Georgian government had conveyed its position regarding remarks made in Brussels.

“This is our position. It is impossible not to inform the ambassador about what we think regarding everything we saw and heard in Brussels - how we in Georgia perceive the steps they are taking. Everything that has been done recently is aimed at further polarising our society and encouraging a radical agenda, which is unacceptable. We cannot perceive such moves as friendly or partnership-oriented steps. If there is anything to be fixed in our relations, first and foremost, the attitude toward Georgia and the Georgian government must be corrected; after that, of course, we should discuss a full-fledged dialogue with the European Union”, Botchorishvili said.