The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following, with deep concern, developments in Georgia, where in recent days local law enforcement authorities have used violence against Georgian society exercising their right to peaceful assembly and protests in response to the Georgian government’s decision to suspend the process of Georgia’s integration into the European Union. Such measures taken by law enforcement authorities violate international human rights standards and are unacceptable.
In response to those events, the Ambassador of Georgia to Latvia, Irakli Kurashvili, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2 December 2024 to hear condemnation expressed over violence used by the Georgian authorities and to be presented a note of protest.
Latvia points out that this course of action runs counter to Georgia’s international commitments, including the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law in the country. The competent Georgian public authorities are urged to immediately stop the violence, ensure the safety and protection of peaceful protesters, and hold accountable the officials who have perpetrated the violations.
Latvia expresses its solidarity with the people of Georgia and its majority support for the country’s integration into the EU, including the public officials who have condemned the statement by Irakli Kobakhidze announcing a decision not to open negotiations on Georgia’s accession to the EU by the end of 2028 and to reject EU funding. This move is seen as a political change going against EU integration – a change which is contrary to Georgia’s Constitution and the aspirations of the majority of its population to Georgia’s accession to the EU.