Tbilisi: The European Union has decided to freeze financial aid to the Republic of Georgia following the adoption of the foreign agents law. The foreign minister and Speaker spoke on the issue. Both of them reacting to the EU’s decision criticized the move and said that this would not hinder Georgia’s progress toward EU integration.
The reaction from the Georgian side came on July 9. The parliament speaker, Shalva Papuashvili along with the country’s foreign minister Ilia Darchiashvili said that this is totally ineffective and will not affect Georgia’s journey towards European Union integration.
The European Union has announced that it will stop the EUR 30 million under European Peace Facility aid to Georgia. The decision was taken against the adoption of the foreign agent’s law and many other undemocratic actions of the Georgia government especially the crackdown of the Georgia authorities against the protestors.
The Parliament speaker while taking to his social media handles, states “It is worth to remember in the year 2014 when the European Union failed to find the members who were ready to participate in the military mission in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) it was the republic of Georgia that have sent the one hundred and fifty soldiers.
This move by Georgia prevented the failure of the European Union Mission as well. He also underlined that the Georgia was the only non-member country after France in this difficult time.
Similary Ilia Darchiashvili, the foreign minister added that “such anti-Georgian decisions are beyond our understanding as challenges in terms of security, including the occupation, are still in existence.
Speaking further, the foreign minister added that Georgia is in dire need of expanding its defense capabilities while stressing that Georgia and the EU relations are based on the Association Agreement. He stated that “we are a responsible country and will not give any harsh statement as given by the EU Ambassador. Moreover, we are ready to fulfill our commitment.”
