**French President Supports Georgia’s EU Aspirations**
On December 13, French President Emmanuel Macron released a video address to the Georgian people. He reiterated his support for Georgians‘ EU aspirations and expressed hope that Georgia will continue on the path of EU integration.
Macron noted that the betrayal of the Georgian people’s European aspirations is unacceptable. He said that Georgia’s sovereign choice of the European path is being peacefully expressed through protests in Tbilisi and other cities. The French President emphasized that by granting the candidate status, the EU has positively responded to the aspirations of the Georgian people.
**EU Stands for Peace and Dialogue**
Macron stressed that the EU obliges no one and does not intimidate. He said that the EU proposes an equal partnership to achieve prosperity based on shared values. The French President also noted that the EU respects the sovereign rights of people and the history and identity of nations, just like the thousand-year-old history of Georgia.
**Georgians Must Be Heard**
President Macron stressed that it is up to Georgia to decide its future and that the voice of Georgians must be heard and respected. He reiterated that the EU stands with Georgia, with its EU and democratic aspirations. He emphasized that Georgia cannot hope to make progress on its European path if peaceful demonstrations are suppressed or civil society organizations are harassed.
**A Way Forward**
Finally, Macron expressed his hope that there is a way forward “in line with the country’s European aspirations” through open and respectful dialogue with all political forces and civil society organizations. He stressed that this dialogue is the responsibility of every citizen and should give Georgians the opportunity to once again take the reins of their future into their hands.
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