The News in Brief
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
German Ambassador Warns of Consequences for Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' Law
German Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Peter Fischer, stated that if the government accepts the "Foreign Agents" law in its current form, Germany will not vote to open the negotiation space for Georgia when announcing the decision of the European Commission. Fischer further emphasized that Georgia has already deviated from the European path.
"This is a dynamic process. Perhaps you read the statement that the German chancellor and the French president jointly published, which was related to the adopted law. Georgia has already deviated from the European path. There are standards that candidate countries must meet, and this law falls outside the standard. As for the decision of the European Commission to be made in December, if this law is adopted as it is now, Germany will not vote to open the negotiation space for Georgia. You must adhere to the standards; otherwise, you will not be able to move forward," Fischer stated.
Tbilisi Mayor Says 'No One Fears Sanctions' Regarding Alleged US Congressional Bill on 'Foreign Agents' Law
Politico recently released information about an alleged bill initiated by members of the United States Congress. This bill allegedly targets individuals responsible for introducing a Russian-style "Foreign Agents" law in Georgia. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze criticized this information, labeling it as "simply the language of blackmail and threats." He emphasized that while "no one fears sanctions", such an approach is not conducive to constructive dialogue.
"I don't think that this step will be taken, because you don't talk to partners and friends like that, it's not the right attitude. If we really want friendship, partnership, the door is open. No one is limited in this direction, but effective steps must be taken and we only welcome this. Once again, no one is afraid of these sanctions and there will be no problem in this regard, although it is inconceivable to sanction the representatives of the government. For what? Because the majority of the representatives of the parliament elected by the majority of the population of the country adopt a law, which is its direct obligation. I think this is incredible, however, big injustice is happening in the world today, I am not surprised," said Kaladze.
German Ambassador Warns of Consequences for Georgia's 'Foreign Agents' Law
"This is a dynamic process. Perhaps you read the statement that the German chancellor and the French president jointly published, which was related to the adopted law. Georgia has already deviated from the European path. There are standards that candidate countries must meet, and this law falls outside the standard. As for the decision of the European Commission to be made in December, if this law is adopted as it is now, Germany will not vote to open the negotiation space for Georgia. You must adhere to the standards; otherwise, you will not be able to move forward," Fischer stated.
Tbilisi Mayor Says 'No One Fears Sanctions' Regarding Alleged US Congressional Bill on 'Foreign Agents' Law
"I don't think that this step will be taken, because you don't talk to partners and friends like that, it's not the right attitude. If we really want friendship, partnership, the door is open. No one is limited in this direction, but effective steps must be taken and we only welcome this. Once again, no one is afraid of these sanctions and there will be no problem in this regard, although it is inconceivable to sanction the representatives of the government. For what? Because the majority of the representatives of the parliament elected by the majority of the population of the country adopt a law, which is its direct obligation. I think this is incredible, however, big injustice is happening in the world today, I am not surprised," said Kaladze.