**Georgian Government Defends Decision to Halt EU Bid**
The Georgian government is defending its decision to halt the country’s bid to join the European Union. The ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), says it was forced to stop the process due to “disinformation” from the EU and opposition groups.
Yesterday, GD leader Irakli Kobakhidze said that the EU had been using the accession talks as a way to “blackmail” the country and split society apart. He also claimed that the EU funding had been used for similar purposes.
The EU has strongly disagreed with this assessment. Ambassador Paweł Herczyński called the decision to halt the bid “very regrettable,” “deplorable,” and “heartbreaking.”
**Government Accuses EU of Disinformation**
Kobakhidze accused the EU ambassador of spreading false information and warned that there could be consequences if he doesn’t change his behavior. He also suggested that the government might take diplomatic action against the ambassador.
The government has been under pressure from opposition groups and civil society to explain its decision. However, the ruling party claims that it remains committed to the country’s European integration.
**Government Officials Threaten Diplomatic Action**
Yesterday, mid-level officials from GD alluded to the potential expulsion of EU ambassadors if they continue to speak out against the government’s decision. This has sparked concerns about the future of relations between Georgia and the EU.
The decision to halt the EU bid has been widely criticized by many in Georgia and abroad. The country’s president has called for resistance against what he sees as a “constitutional coup.”
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