Papuashvili Explains Georgia's Refusal to Join European Magnitsky List Due to Non-Support for Sanctions Against Russia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, announced that the European Council has decided to extend the "European Magnitsky List" until December 8, 2026. Georgia is not on the list of countries that supported the extension of the Act.
The Chairman of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, explained Georgia's refusal to support the 'European Magnitsky List' by stating that Georgia does not join the sanctions against Russia.
"This list of sanctions doesn't only apply to Russia; it also includes several countries, including Georgia, which has taken a stance on issues related to North Korea and Transnistria. Regarding sanctions against Russia, Georgia maintains a declared policy, and we will adhere to this stance. This policy has resulted in a stable situation in Georgia, ensuring our economic development and earning us candidate status.
For information and specifics regarding the decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide you with the necessary answers. As reiterated, our stance on sanctions is well-known - we do not align with sanctions against Russia. This decision has ensured that Georgia avoids the risks of war and economic collapse, leading to the attainment of candidate status," Papuashvili said.
In relation to the extension of the 'Magnitsky List', the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia released a statement, affirming that Georgia has adhered to the established practice concerning the mentioned document in recent years.
"Georgia has maintained the recent practice regarding the mentioned document, and our partners are informed. In general, statistics on joining the statements of the European Union have sharply increased in the last year, up to 50%," stated the Foreign Ministry.
The 'Magnitsky Act' was initially passed by the US Congress in 2012 to hold accountable the Russian authorities responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky in a Russian prison.
