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Georgia's President-elect, Mikheil Kavelashvili, emphasized that EU membership aligns with the nation's interests. He sought to address the ongoing public protests, explaining that the issue was part of an "artificially created process" that may not be fully understood by some citizens. This comment was in response to the government's recent announcement of a delay in EU accession talks until 2028.
Kavelashvili acknowledged that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's statement on the matter might have been unclear to some, but emphasized that Kobakhidze had clarified his position publicly. He reiterated the government's long-term commitment to EU integration, stressing the importance of maintaining a relationship based on mutual respect and transparency. While recognizing that the EU had, at times, adopted a condescending and inconsistent approach, Kavelashvili underscored the need for constructive dialogue.
The President-elect reiterated Georgia's unequivocal desire to join the European Union, highlighting that this objective is in line with the nation's declared will and widely shared across the political spectrum. However, he also stressed the importance of balancing this goal with the country's national interests, which he characterized as organic and not in opposition to the EU. Kavelashvili noted that Georgia was ready for accession talks and was hopeful that the EU's stance would evolve. Despite frustrations with perceived disrespect and inconsistency from the EU, he emphasized that Georgia has not reciprocated these actions. Kavelashvili concluded by reaffirming that both Georgia and the EU share a common interest in closer ties, and that efforts are underway to restore the process to a more productive and healthy trajectory.
He also referenced the Prime Minister's earlier statement, asserting that EU integration is non-negotiable for Georgia, as it is fundamentally in the nation's interest, and should similarly be a priority for the European Union.
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24/01/2025