Georgian PM says European Parliament resolutions have ‘lost all value’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said European Parliament resolutions on Georgia had "lost all value" and accused the institution of promoting a discriminatory approach toward Georgian citizens.

Speaking to Georgian journalists during his visit to Tajikistan, Kobakhidze said the Georgian public was no longer interested in the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament.

The Prime Minister was commenting on the latest European Parliament resolution on Georgia, which calls on the EU and its member states to impose "targeted personal sanctions" on ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and other senior party leaders. The resolution also expresses regret that the Georgian authorities have not taken steps to reverse what it describes as an "anti-European course" and reiterates the European Parliament's "non-recognition of the legitimacy" of the country's disputed parliament and authorities.

Kobakhidze argued that the document contained a “discriminatory demand”, claiming it suggested that only certain groups should retain visa-free travel privileges with the EU.

He said Georgian society deserved a “fair approach” from European institutions, including the European Parliament, but added that, in his view, current attitudes toward Georgia reflected a different approach.