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Dutch Foreign Minister Warns of 'Alarming Regression' in Georgia
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, has voiced serious concerns about recent political developments in Georgia. Speaking to journalists in Brussels ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting, Veldkamp described the situation as "very alarming."
"The regression taking place in Georgia is very alarming," he stated. "You have seen the statement issued by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. We, the Netherlands, as one of the key members of the European Union, fully support this statement."
Veldkamp emphasized that the majority of Georgians aspire to a European future, and the Netherlands remains committed to supporting them.
"We are very concerned about the developments in Georgia because we see that the majority of the Georgian people are pro-European, they aspire to a European future, and we want to support them so that they can continue to defend their position," he added.
Estonian Foreign Minister Calls for EU to Revoke Georgia's Visa Liberalization
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has urged the European Union to begin the process of revoking Georgia's visa liberalization, stating that the issue is already under discussion.
"We call on the EU to start the process of revoking visa liberalization - this issue is on the table," Tsahkna said in Brussels ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting.
He also highlighted Estonia's actions against Georgian officials:
"Estonia has imposed personal and national sanctions on dozens of individuals, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Prime Minister. We also call on the EU to start the process of revoking visa liberalization."
When asked to confirm whether the issue is actively being considered, Tsahkna reiterated:
"Yes, this issue is on the table, and starting the process requires 15 member states to show the regime that it must change its behavior."
