**Georgian Government Responds to EU Accusations**
The Georgian government held a briefing in response to massive protests that followed the decision to halt the country‘s EU accession process. The government claims that Georgia did not actually halt its bid to join the EU.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister, said that he would sign an agreement to open EU accession talks immediately if the EU put it on the table. He also accused the EU Ambassador of being involved in a disinformation campaign led by the radical opposition and NGOs they support.
**Government Denies Halting Accession**
Kobakhidze insisted that Georgia is committed to joining the EU, with a goal of becoming a member by 2030. However, his announcement to halt accession triggered public outrage, and the government’s response was met with excessive police force across the country.
**US-Georgian Relations Hit a Snag**
The US has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing internal US politics as the reason. Kobakhidze believes that this is a temporary issue and that relations will improve once the Trump administration takes office.
He stated that there has been indirect communication between the Georgian government and the incoming US administration, and they are waiting for direct communication. Kobakhidze hopes that the change in administration will “qualitatively change” relations between Georgia and the EU.
**Protests Continue**
Kobakhidze also commented on the ongoing protests in Tbilisi, claiming that violent groups were responsible for the unrest. He thanked police officers and Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri for handling the situation, saying they met “higher standards” than in Europe and America.
The government has responded to criticism from human rights organizations by accusing them of promoting a disinformation campaign. They have vowed to take action against anyone who breaks the law during the protests.
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