Georgian PM criticises foreign diplomats over ‘Vienna Convention violations’

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused a number of foreign diplomats, including French envoys, of “repeatedly breaching” international law by “interfering in the country’s domestic politics.”

Speaking to journalists in Dusheti on Monday, Kobakhidze said that President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments on diplomatic conduct were “very interesting” given the record of French ambassadors in Georgia.

“For years we have spoken about ambassadors, including European ambassadors, systematically violating the Vienna Convention and the rules of international law, interfering blatantly in Georgian politics. Everyone could see this interference,” Kobakhidze said.

He added that when the government raised the concerns previously, there had been “zero reaction.” Against that backdrop, he described Macron’s statement as “noteworthy,” recalling that “several French ambassadors in the past made harsh statements that breached the Vienna Convention.”

Kobakhidze expressed hope that diplomatic practice would change, warning against what he called “double standards.” “If such a trend emerges, it will be very important. But what we continue to see is ambassadors from various countries, including Europeans, frequently breaching the Vienna Convention. This must stop. It is first and foremost necessary to improve the reputation of the EU and European bureaucracy in the eyes of the Georgian people,” the prime minister said.