**EU Suspends Visa-Free Regime for Georgian Diplomats and Officials**
The European Union has decided to suspend visa liberalization for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. This decision was made at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on January 27.
The suspension will affect not only diplomats but also officials who travel to EU countries. The decision will take effect in the coming days. It did not require all countries to agree, as 15 votes were enough to pass it. Hungary and Slovakia voted against the move.
**EU’s Position**
The European Union has taken this step because of Georgia’s human rights issues. Georgian civil society and media have been calling for more freedom and less repression. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said that instead of giving money directly to the government, it will be given to civil society groups and media.
**France Speaks Out**
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot spoke about the decision. He said the EU is urging Georgia to stop repressing people who speak out against the government. Barrot added that the Georgian people want democracy and freedom, and their wishes should be heard.
More on this story will follow…