Kobakhidze Claims EU Allies Retracted Support Under Pressure
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Prime Minister of Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, expressed gratitude to five EU countries - Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, and Romania during a December 17 press conference, claiming they supported the Georgian people at the European Union Council. The comments followed the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on December 16, where it was agreed to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders.
However, later on December 17, Romania, Italy, and Spain publicly rejected Kobakhidze's claim of their support.
In response, Kobakhidze alleged that these countries faced external pressure to change their stance. When asked if the countries' statements were false, Kobakhidze replied, "It shouldn't be said that way," but insisted the countries had to withdraw their positions.
"We made a statement that was based on very reliable and trustworthy information, but see, this was also followed by speculation from the opposition. I would like to once again thank all those countries that supported the Georgian people at the Council session," said Kobakhidze.
Pressed for clarification on the "reliable source" behind his claims, Kobakhidze stated:
"We had reliable and trustworthy information and based on this information we made this statement. We had information from our sources. We have the right not to specify these sources."
Kobakhidze denied lying, reiterating his belief that pressure had been applied to Romania, Italy, and Spain.
"Don't believe me, I'm telling you what the facts were... I don't want to say [they're lying], but there was actually pressure that they had to take back the position that they put on the board. You can call it a lie, I don't want to call it a lie. It's their choice, they can do it that way, but the fact is that they have expressed their anti-sanctions stance, thanks again to them. Then they had to present this decision in a different way, it was their decision. I cannot call it a lie," Kobakhidze concluded.
