GD’s Machavariani: No problem of visas, minor discomfort not to force us to act against country interests

“We have proven through our actions that no blackmail, pressure, or discomfort can force us to take a step that is not in line with the country’s national interests,” said Levan Machavariani, a member of the parliamentary majority.

According to Machavariani, suspension of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic, service or official passports is not a problem.

“When speaking about threats, these Eurobureaucrats are behaving so irrationally and illogically that we can’t predict anything if they will suspend visa-free travel to the Georgian population, especially amid the situation when the collective National Movement, rich NGOs, Mr Fischer or Herczyński dream of or pray for suspension of visa-free travel.

As for diplomatic passports, it is already the third statement on their part. We have known for a long time that we will have to take visas for official visits. This is not a problem for us. If anyone thinks that they will force us to take a step which is against our country’s interests with minor discomfort, is mistaken. Whether it is this kind or a much greater discomfort, we’ve been through the past four years under such blackmail, pressure, and coercion that this is a drop in the ocean. We have proven through our actions that no blackmail, pressure, or discomfort can force us to take a step that is not in line with the country’s national interests,” he said.

On March 6, the European Commission suspended visa-free travel for Georgian holders of diplomatic, service or official passports under the revised Visa Suspension Mechanism.