Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili, criticized what she described as double standards toward Georgia during her address at the 135th session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, saying it is “hypocrisy” to support the Georgian people while distancing from the government they elected.
“It is hypocrisy to express concern about a ‘democratic backsliding’ while at the same time encouraging radical forces that reject elections; to claim support for the Georgian people while demonstratively distancing oneself from the government elected by that same people; and to speak about the rule of law while simultaneously seeking ways to bypass law and justice,” Bochorishvili stated.
In her speech, the foreign minister said criticism is a natural part of democracy, but warned that placing political objectives above facts undermines trust rather than strengthens democratic institutions.
“Criticism is a natural part of democracy. However, when political goals are placed above facts, it no longer serves to strengthen democracy, but rather to undermine trust,” she said.
Bochorishvili also raised concerns about media freedom, noting that representatives of three Georgian television channels were denied entry to Moldova while attempting to cover the Council of Europe ministerial session.
“Today, journalists from three different Georgian television stations who wished to cover our meeting were denied entry to Moldova and the ability to carry out their professional activities. It is concerning when freedom of expression and media freedom are interpreted selectively,” the minister said.
Addressing the issue of Georgia’s occupied territories, Bochorishvili accused Russia of continuing to ignore international obligations and moving toward the annexation of Georgian regions.
“Occupation, effective control, and Russia’s responsibility for serious human rights violations have been confirmed by international courts, including judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Despite this, Russia continues to disregard its international obligations and is taking steps toward the annexation of Georgian regions,” she stated, citing the so-called “Treaty on Alliance and Strategic Partnership” signed on May 9, 2026, between Russian-backed authorities in Moscow and Tskhinvali.
The foreign minister also spoke about broader security challenges facing Europe, stressing that war and conflict are not the only threats undermining the continent’s foundations.
Referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Bochorishvili argued that international law must be applied equally and consistently.
“Today, as war continues in Ukraine, we see even more clearly that no country can be truly secure if international law is applied selectively, if occupation over time becomes a ‘new normal,’ and if force is placed above law,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, Bochorishvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and emphasized the country’s efforts to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.
“We know the price of war well and understand that peace is not only the absence of military escalation, but also responsibility toward one’s own people, the region, and the common European future,” she added.
Photo source: MFA Georgia
