Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Bochorishvili, has criticized recent statements by the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pavel Herczynski, saying the country does not need “polarization, a radical agenda, or threats about a dark past.”
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the EU ambassador, Bochorishvili stated that the Georgian government “best understands” the country’s current position and the choices it faces.
“Regardless of any explanations we may hear, facts and actions remain facts and actions. The picture we see is unacceptable,” she said.
The Foreign Minister claimed that it is the Georgian people, and the government elected by them, who determine the country’s path.
“No one understands better than the Georgian people and the government they have elected which crossroads this country stands at. The government represents the will of the people. Accordingly, it best understands what Georgia needs in terms of security and stability, and how unnecessary it is to encourage polarization in society or promote a radical agenda. We do not need a dark past, nor such threats,” Bochorishvili said.
When asked what in the ambassador’s remarks she considered threatening, the minister responded that any statements or actions contributing to polarization are unacceptable.
“The statements, actions, and steps we see from Brussels, as well as the attitude toward the Georgian government, are unacceptable and directed at fueling polarization in society. Anything that encourages division or promotes a radical agenda is unacceptable,” she noted.
Bochorishvili also addressed whether she had received clarification from the EU ambassador regarding his earlier comments, stating that Georgia expects a fair and respectful approach from Brussels.
“Whatever explanation we may hear, facts remain facts. The picture we see is unacceptable. Georgia is a good-faith partner. It has done nothing in its relations with the European Union to damage any of its interests. Accordingly, we expect from Brussels the kind of attitude Georgia deserves—one based on good-faith cooperation. At this stage, we do not see this, and the steps we are witnessing reflect that,” she said.
The minister added that restoring normal relations requires mutual respect and trust, which, she stated, are undermined by such statements.
The meeting between Bochorishvili and Herczynski took place earlier today and was linked to the ambassador’s recent remarks made in Brussels at the European External Action Service, where he stated that Georgia is “no longer on the right trajectory” and accused the authorities of moving the country away from the European Union.
In his comments, Herczynski said Georgia is “at a crossroads” and warned that decisions in the coming weeks and months will determine whether the country joins the European family based on democratic values or returns to a “dark past.” His remarks were reported by Netgazeti.
Read more: Georgian foreign minister meets EU ambassador following critical remarks on country’s trajectory
