“We are witnessing the use of the language of blackmail by the European Parliament. They are imposing a narrative upon us that the European Union is ready for dialogue and discussion, but the facts speak for themselves; we can see the resolutions they have adopted,” stated Georgian Dream member Irakli Cheishvili.

According to him, talks of selectively suspending the visa-free travel regime are the very definition of blackmail.

“None of this will make us change our policy and vision. The idea that the visa-free travel regime could be suspended selectively is pure blackmail. In other words, their agents are to enjoy visa-free travel, whilst the rest of the population, those who do not agree with the course pursued by today’s Euro-bureaucracy, should have a visa regime imposed upon them. This is precisely what constitutes a double standard and the execution of a flawed policy towards Georgia.

These resolutions remain a worthless scrap of paper, as we have no intention of altering our policy, nor do we intend to withdraw these laws. The legislation we have passed is vital for Georgia, whether it be the Law on Transparency or the Law on Family Values. These laws are critical for the future of our country. Consequently, we do not intend to take a single step backwards. We stand ready for dialogue with the European Union, but everyone must respect Georgia’s vision and positions,” Irakli Cheishvili stated.

For context, the European Parliament resolution adopted on June 17 states: “We call on the European Commission to establish a mechanism that preserves visa-free access to the EU for civil society activists, journalists, and students.”