The Georgian government has repeatedly expressed its readiness to start a new chapter in relations with the European Union—but not at the cost of compromising our own interests, or allowing major powers to use us to advance their own agendas - Kakha Kaladze
The Georgian government has repeatedly signaled its readiness to deepen cooperation and relations with the European Union—to begin a new chapter—but not in a way that compromises our interests or allows major powers to use us to pursue their own objectives. This was stated by the Mayor of the capital, Kakha Kaladze, while speaking to the media.
According to him, the relationship must be based on reciprocity, and there should be no room for the issuance of orders. "Our answer is very simple. The Georgian government has repeatedly expressed its readiness for cooperation, for deepening relations, and for starting a new chapter in our ties—but not at the cost of compromising our interests, or allowing major powers to use us to advance their own agendas. That is not how it works. Partnership and friendship must be reciprocal; they cannot involve a 'top-down' approach or the issuing of orders. Why do we seek Europe? What was the primary objective and goal? Freedom, of course.
They continue to engage using the same old methods—including the issuance of directives. If you know from the outset that a certain course of action is harmful and will create problems for your country—and if you are a sensible leader who defends your nation’s interests and cares about your people—then, naturally, you should not take that step. I am referring, for instance, to joining the sanctions," stated Kakha Kaladze.
He added that the public clearly perceives the attitude of high-ranking European officials and is fully capable of making an accurate assessment. "After all, we knew—and we still know—that joining the sanctions would be damaging to our economy; it would be damaging to ordinary people—those who work hard and contribute to economic development. Why should one take a step that harms one’s own country’s interests? We are being forbidden, told what to do, threatened, and blackmailed—'don't do this, why did you adopt this?'—yet they end up doing the very same things themselves. I believe the public can quite easily form their own assessments regarding these matters—especially concerning the decisions coming from high-ranking European officials," noted the Mayor of Tbilisi.