The Weimar Triangle of EU Foreign Ministers issued a statement on Georgia, expressing concern over the actions taken by the Georgian Government that led to the de facto suspension Georgia’s EU membership process.
The statement mentions the threat to the scope and depth EU-Georgia relationships and cooperation.
The “Weimar Countries” continue to urge the Georgian government change its current policies.
The ministers also note that, in addition to expressing concern over the aggressive rhetoric toward the European Union and member states, they will not allow Georgian representatives of the government to spread false narratives and policies about Europe.
“We, as the foreign ministers of the Weimar Triangle member countries, confirm once again our support for the democratic, European aspirations and the absolute majority of Georgians.”
“We regret the actions taken by the Georgian Government, which led de facto to the suspension of Georgia’s EU Accession Process, as announced by the European Council on June 27, which represents the heads or government of the EU member states.
The negative trend has worsened with the emergence of the “Transparency Law”, which stigmatizes non-profits that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from overseas and declares them agents of foreign powers. Recent legislative changes have also exacerbated the situation, limiting the rights of LGBT+ individuals and attacking civil society organizations as well as independent journalists.
“We are also increasingly concerned by the aggressive rhetoric directed at the EU and its members states. The European Union will not tolerate Georgian government officials spreading false narratives about European policies and positions.
“We call again on the Government of Georgia, to change its current action. At stake is the scope and depth of EU and Georgia relations and cooperation.
“We expect that the Georgian authorities will ensure that the upcoming election is fair and free, and will comply with the OSCE ODIHR recommendations, especially in regards to the ability to conduct elections in a safe and free manner.
“We hope the Georgian government will recommit to implementing reforms that are determined by the EU candidate status of the country. We are prepared to continue to support the Georgian society as it moves towards a European future. Our hand is still outstretched.
In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers from Germany, France and Poland – the countries that make up the “Weimar Triangle”, said: “We will continue to support and strengthen the sovereignty and territorial identity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders.”
Related story: Bundestag Resolution: Anti–European Course of the Gov’t puts Georgia’s European Future at Risk
Read More @ georgiatoday.ge