Lithuanian FM calls on EU to step up pressure on Georgia's government

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys has called on the European Union to step up its pressure on the authorities in Georgia through sanctions and political isolation.

"We see that situation is further deteriorating. Our lack of action also put additional stimulus into it. That's why we have to react now and we have to prepare further sanctions for everyone who has been involved in the efforts to put the political opposition leaders into prison," Budrys told reporters ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday.

"We see those big cases introduced against them (opposition leaders - BNS). That is absolutely unacceptable and from our side we have to react with sanctions, with further pressure on the regime, with political isolation. Also, with the increased support for civil society," Lithuania's top diplomat said.

Almost all opposition leaders, several journalists and activists have been detained since the ruling Georgian Dream party won last year's general election, drawing criticism from Western countries.

A country with EU candidate status, Georgia has been plagued by political unrest and mass protests since the disputed parliamentary election.

Tensions increased further in November when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that he was suspending EU membership negotiations until 2028.

Tbilisi has been criticized in recent years for its step-back from democracy and rapprochement with Moscow, which the ruling party denies.

The opposition in Georgia also does not recognize the election of incumbent President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was appointed by an electoral college composed exclusively of representatives of the ruling party.

As BNS reported earlier, Lithuania has more than 100 people on the list of sanctioned Georgians. These people have been sanctioned for gross and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms and repression of the people of Georgia.