European Union Ambassador Calls for International Unity on Sanctions, Addresses Highway Construction Claims, and Saakashvili's Health
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Pawel Herczynski, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, stated during a press briefing that sanctions have been implemented, and there is an expectation for the international community, particularly like-minded countries aspiring to join the European Union, to adhere to the same approach.
Herczynski responded to a question regarding information circulated by some Georgian media outlets, which claimed that a four-lane highway was being constructed on a road connecting Georgia to Russia.
"We have repeatedly seen the European Union's position on contacts with Russia, flights to Russia, and Russian tourists. After Russia's brutal and unprovoked, unprovoked, full-scale invasion, we collectively decided to restrict movement and contacts. We deeply regret this situation, as we did not wish for it to occur, but we had to take action to ensure the war ended quickly, exert pressure on Russia, and hold them accountable for their terrible actions in Ukraine. This is why we implemented sanctions, making it challenging for Russians to travel to Europe. We expect that the international community, especially like-minded countries aspiring to join the European Union, will adopt the same approach," Herczynski explained.
In response to the reports about the construction of a four-lane highway connecting to Russia, the Department of Highways clarified that the Tbilisi-Natakhtari section is part of the European international highway and does not serve as a connecting road to Russia. They added that a tender has been announced for the preparation of a feasibility study and project for the modernization and construction of an 11-km section of the international Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway.
Addressing concerns about the health condition of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Herczynski acknowledged the existence of an important group in the European Parliament that is worried about his well-being. He emphasized that Members of the European Parliament are free to express their opinions without interference. In response to the Georgian government's claim that MEPs should apologize, Herczynski reiterated that MEPs have the freedom to express their views.
Expressing satisfaction, Herczynski welcomed the arrival of a group of Polish doctors in Georgia who were granted permission to visit Saakashvili. He expressed hope that their expertise would contribute to his treatment and thanked the representatives of the Georgian Government for facilitating the visit. Herczynski emphasized the importance of fully protecting Saakashvili's rights as both a defendant in court and as a patient.
