Lithuanian leader voices support for Georgian people, president

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday expressed support for the people of Georgia and President Salome Zourabichvili in their efforts to keep the country on a European trajectory.

"Lithuania stands firmly with the people of Georgia and their European dream! President Zourabichvili, I wish you strength and courage in keeping Georgia on the European path," Nauseda posted on the X social media platform.

"Georgia belongs in Europe," he added.

Thousands of people rallied in the capital Tbilisi and other cities across Georgia after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the government's decision to delay the country's EU accession until 2028.

The prime minister's announcement came hours after the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution rejecting the results of Georgia's October 26 parliamentary election due to alleged "significant irregularities".

Opposition lawmakers are boycotting the new parliament, alleging fraud in the election, in which the ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner.

President Zourabichvili, who is at loggerheads with Georgian Dream, is seeking to have the Constitutional Court annul the election results.