"We see that the situation [in Georgia] is further deteriorating. Our lack of action also gives additional stimulus to this. That is why we have to react now," stated Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in Brussels, before the start of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
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According to Budrys, sanctions are needed against everyone involved in imprisoning opposition political leaders. "We saw that these big cases that were introduced against them are absolutely unacceptable.
From our side, we have to react with sanctions, pressure on the regime, political isolation, and also increased support for civil society."
"We still see that the absolute majority of the Georgian people want to be in the European Union. In my society, I see that over 60% of Lithuanian people want Georgia to be part of the EU.
There are commitments from both sides – Georgia must fulfill human rights standards, and EU countries must support Georgia on its path. This is how we should proceed," Budrys said.
The foreign ministers of 27 EU member states gathered today in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council. Georgia is one of the main issues on their agenda.
As the Council's chair, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated, they will discuss suspending visa-free travel for Georgia and sanctioning judges. Kallas said that a letter containing "certain conditions" would be sent to the Georgian Dream government. "If these conditions are not met within that deadline, then we will have to suspend the visa-free regime," Kallas noted.
