Georgian Foreign Minister criticizes statement of 17 countries as fueling “false narratives”

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has criticized a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of 17 European countries and the EU’s High Representative, claiming it contributes to the spread of “false narratives” about Georgia.

Botchorishvili made the remarks in response to the July 11 declaration, signed by top diplomats from countries including Germany, France, the UK, and the Nordic and Baltic states, which expressed alarm over politically motivated arrests, suppression of civil society, and Georgia’s alleged drift toward authoritarianism.

“This statement once again encourages the dissemination of false narratives about Georgia,” Bochorishvili stated. “References to elections in connection with legal proceedings serve only one purpose — to reinforce misleading portrayals of the country.”

She contrasted the joint foreign statement with that of President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who recently called for calm and a commitment to holding elections under stable conditions. “The president has clearly stated that elections must not be jeopardized, and any obstructive environment should be avoided if political forces truly care about democracy,” Botchorishvili added.

The Western statement accused the Georgian government of targeting opposition figures, independent media, and peaceful protesters, warning that democracy in the country is “rapidly eroding.” It also threatened further consequences, stating that if the Georgian authorities continue on an anti-democratic trajectory, the signatory countries are prepared to apply “a range of unilateral and multilateral tools.”

Despite the strong rebuke, the ministers left room for de-escalation, urging the Georgian government to release political detainees, repeal repressive legislation, and engage in inclusive national dialogue to avoid deepening the crisis.

Botchorishvili, however, dismissed the foreign intervention as unhelpful and politically biased: “These kinds of statements interfere with Georgia’s internal political processes and disregard the country’s democratic mechanisms.”