Ruling party Sec Gen says Georgia will not accept EU integration being used as tool of blackmail

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday said that the European integration process must not be used as a tool of blackmail against Georgia, stressing that the Georgian authorities are open to dialogue and constructive relations but will not accept a disrespectful approach.

Speaking to journalists ahead of a technical meeting on visa liberalisation scheduled at the European Commission on June 11, Kaladze noted that attempts to pressure Georgia through the issue were continuing.

“Blackmail is continuing as usual, and it is inconceivable to constantly pressure a country through the European integration process. We have repeatedly stated that the Georgian authorities are ready for dialogue and constructive relations. However, it is categorically unacceptable for someone to wag their finger at us from above and constantly insult us”, he said.

He added that he was uncertain about the agenda of the technical meeting but criticised statements based “solely on lies and falsehoods”.

Commenting on recommendations made to Georgia, Kaladze said the government was acting in defense of the country’s interests and questioned criticism of the transparency law.

“When recommendations are discussed, for example, there have been calls claiming that the transparency legislation contradicts democratic processes and should be repealed. Have you heard a single concrete explanation of why this legislation is problematic or why it contradicts democratic processes? No such explanation has been provided. Moreover, European countries themselves are discussing the importance of adopting similar legislation”, the Mayor said.

Kaladze further emphasised that Georgia is an independent and sovereign state whose sovereignty and independence should be respected by all partners.

“We are defending our country, its interests, sovereignty, and independence. If you are my friend, you should not encourage me to take steps that would be destructive and harmful to my homeland. When such calls are made, that is not friendship. When resolutions urge you to join sanctions that would harm your country and people, or when you are urged to open a second front, that is not friendship”, he concluded.