Finnish FM proposes targeted measures against Georgian Government, not people

Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, on Monday emphasised the importance of supporting the Georgian people in their pursuit of democracy, independence, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as targeted measures against the Georgian Dream authorities, in Luxembourg, before the start of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Ministerial. 

“We support the Georgian people on their way to democracy, independence, human rights, and the rule of law. They have asked their government to open the door for this. When the government takes steps against the true will of the people, we must consider measures to resist the government while keeping the people’s hope alive,” said Valtonen.

Valtonen suggested specific measures targeting the Georgian government, rather than the people, to maintain pressure. “For instance, we could make it more difficult for Georgian high-ranking officials to travel to Europe, which might include sanctions. We are open to measures that specifically concern the Georgian government and not the Georgian people,” she added.