**Estonia and Lithuania Impose Sanctions on Georgian Officials**
On Sunday, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced additional sanctions against 14 Georgian officials and judges. This decision comes ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council set for December 16. The Estonian move was followed by Lithuania, which imposed sanctions on 17 Georgian officials.
The list of sanctioned individuals includes Irakli Kobakhidze, head of the state security service, Tbilisi Mayor Grigol Liluashvili, Kakha Kaladze, and Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys reaffirmed Lithuania’s strong support for the Georgian people and their aspirations for European integration.
**New President Elected in Georgia**
On Saturday, Mikheil Kavelashvili was voted as Georgia’s next figurehead president by the College composed of Georgian Dream lawmakers and local councilors. The election process was denounced as “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional” by the current President Salome Zurabishvili, opposition parties, and watchdogs.
Leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, and Serbia congratulated Kavelashvili on his victory. However, several Western politicians stated that Salome Zurabishvili remains Georgia’s legitimate president.
**Western Leaders Speak Out**
French President Emmanuel Macron released a video address to the Georgian people on December 13, reiterating his support for Georgians’ EU aspirations and expressing hope that Georgia will continue on the path of EU integration. The U.S. Department of State announced additional measures under the Visa Restriction Policy prohibiting the issuance of visas to those responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia.
Public Defender of Georgia said that the rump GD parliament legislates without consultation, limits human rights.
Read More @ civil.ge