17 EU foreign ministers condemn recent developments in Georgia

RIGA - The foreign ministers of 17 European Union (EU) countries - Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, as well as the United Kingdom - and the EU High Representative issued a statement on Friday condemning the political developments in Georgia.

The Foreign Ministry informed LETA that the ministers condemned "the politically motivated arrest and detention of Georgian opposition leaders, clearly aimed at suppressing political opposition in Georgia a few months before the local elections". This is contributing to the undermining of democracy in Georgia and to the transition to an authoritarian system that is contrary to European norms and values.

The political repression by the Georgian authorities has consequently led to a significant downgrading of relations with the EU, including a reduction in assistance and cooperation with the Georgian authorities, the statement noted.

"We will not hesitate to use the unilateral and multilateral instruments at our disposal if the Georgian authorities continue to take measures that undermine democracy and respect for human rights in Georgia," the statement said, "it is not too late to retreat from this course."