Kaja Kallas: Genuine engagement in human rights dialogue would be indication that Georgian gov’t wants to change course

“Georgia shows no signs of reversing a democratic backsliding. The Ministers had an explicit message that Georgia needs to change the course,” said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

Speaking after the ministerial meeting, Kallas said the discussions also highlighted the European Union’s strategic interest in stability and security in the South Caucasus region.

“Ministers also stress that Europe has a strategic interest in a stable and secure South Caucasus. Progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process is a real opportunity for the region, and the EU is significantly stepping up its support.

Today, ministers agreed to establish a new EU civilian mission for Armenia. It will strengthen the country’s resilience against massive disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks. When Armenians go to the polls in June, they alone should choose their future. We also look forward to Yerevan hosting a first ever joint summit in May, which will be a testimony of our deepening partnership.

Azerbaijan remains an important partner in energy and connectivity. We want to deepen our ties, and we’ll resume negotiations of a new bilateral corporation agreement soon.

Georgia shows no signs of reversing a democratic backsliding. ministers had an explicit message that Georgia needs to change the course. Of course, also, genuine engagement in human rights dialogue would be an indication that they want to change the course,” Kaja Kallas said.

Responding to a journalist’s question on the general mood among ministers regarding Georgia and the possibility of targeted sanctions, Kallas said: “If you ask me the general mood, then I can answer yes, the general mood is there because if we have pushed for sanctions, for example, regarding those people who are committing these actions against opposition or free media, then we have had 26 countries on board and one against. Now, the question of the recent developments is also a question regarding Georgia. Does it bring new momentum in this regard? I can’t run ahead of the events, but let’s see. Definitely, there was a discussion, a very good discussion today about these things, also about the engagement, because some were saying that we should engage more. The ultimate understanding is that we should definitely engage more with the Georgian people, also outside Tbilisi to show the people that European Union is there and we are coming with good thoughts and will. But at the same time also to give very clear messages to the government of Georgia that the direction that they are taking is not in accordance with the values that Europe represents. So, this was the discussion today and we will revisit the sanctions once we have new governments around the table.”