Tbilisi Mayor Kaladze calls for ‘new page’ in Georgia-EU relations

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has called for a “new page” in Georgia’s relations with the European Union, while rejecting calls for targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Kaladze was responding to a joint appeal by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party and the European Liberal Forum (ELF), which calls for targeted sanctions against representatives of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party.

“It is important that relations start from a new page,” Kaladze said.

He said Georgia wanted relations with the EU to be based on “truth and fairness” and argued that the country should not be pressured over its decision not to join EU sanctions against Russia.

“We want only friendly and partnership-based relations,” Kaladze said.

He also criticised those calling for personal sanctions against Georgian officials, accusing them of having a hostile attitude towards the Georgian people.

Kaladze said previous criticism of Georgian government legislation, including laws concerning transparency, had not been supported by sufficient arguments.

“As for personal sanctions, that is their decision. No one will be able to intimidate us with this,” he said.

He added that the Georgian government’s priority was to maintain peace and promote economic development.