FM Botchorishvili took part in 135th session of CoE Committee of Ministers in Moldova

At the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held on May 15 in Moldova, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, addressed the participants.

According to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister spoke about the challenges facing Europe and noted that war and conflict are not the only threats undermining the foundations upon which Europe is built. In this context, the Minister highlighted the issue of media freedom, stating that representatives of three Georgian television channels were denied entry into Moldova and, as a result, were prevented from carrying out their professional duties covering the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

“Today, journalists from three different Georgian television channels who wished to cover our meeting were denied entry into Moldova and prevented from carrying out their professional duties. It is deeply troubling when freedom of speech and media freedom are interpreted selectively,” stated Maka Botchorishvili.

In her speech, the Minister acknowledged that criticism is a natural element of democracy; however, she emphasised that when political objectives are prioritised over facts, it results in the erosion of public trust rather than the strengthening of democratic principles.

Maka Botchorishvili also addressed the issue of double standards applied to Georgia, stating that it is hypocritical to speak of “democratic backsliding” while simultaneously supporting radical forces that reject participation in elections.

“It is hypocrisy to lament a so-called “democratic backsliding” while simultaneously encouraging radical forces that are rejecting elections; to claim “support for the Georgian people” while demonstratively distancing oneself from the government elected by those very people; to speak of the rule of law while at the same time seeking ways to circumvent law and justice,” emphasised the Minister for Foreign Affairs.