“The elections held on Saturday were marked by an extensive crackdown on media, civil society, and opposition parties. We have also seen low turnout, which was also marked by a boycott of the opposition. We have also seen that the Georgian authorities failed to invite OSCE and ODIHR observers in due time, undermining the transparency and credibility of the democratic process,” Lead Spokesperson for EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anitta Hipper, remarked in response to a journalist’s question during a press briefing.
She stressed that the European Commission condemns all forms of violence, 1tv.ge reports.
“We have also seen that the Georgian authorities are conducting Russian propaganda. This is textbook propaganda when it comes to disinformation, attacks on our ambassador, who has our full support. Also, that being said, we condemn any form of violence from all sides. The EU has always called for peaceful protests, peaceful demonstrations throughout as a general right, but we condemn any form of violence,” Hipper stated.
Hipper was also asked about Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s claim that Georgia could join the European Union by 2030 if the EU aligns with the process. A journalist questioned whether Georgia’s membership bid is realistic given the government’s current policies toward its citizens, media, NGOs, and the EU itself.
“In the current context of massive democratic backsliding in Georgia, we have reduced political contacts to a minimum. Our support goes to independent media and civil society. As for EU accession, EU leaders and the Council of Foreign Ministers have made clear that it is a merit-based process. What we have seen is Georgian authorities are jeopardizing this path,” Hipper concluded.
Նյութերը գեներացվում են տարբեր կայքերից արհեստական բանականության միջոցով