Estonia summons Georgian ambassador over violence and hostile rhetoric

On 16 December, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Georgian Ambassador Zurab Khamashuridze to address concerns over violence against Georgian citizens, opposition leaders, and journalists, as well as a hostile statement made by Georgia’s ruling party about Estonia.

“Today’s statements by the authoritarian government and the chairman of Georgia’s Parliament are unacceptable, hostile, and full of lies,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. He expressed regret that Georgian representatives, whose sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European aspirations Estonia has supported for nearly 30 years, have resorted to rhetoric echoing Russian talking points.

The discussion also covered Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, which were marred by widespread violations according to international election monitoring organizations. Minister Tsahkna reiterated Estonia’s condemnation of these irregularities.

During the meeting, Estonia strongly criticized the Georgian government for its violent dispersal of protests, emphasizing that such actions contradict human rights principles. “Under the rule of law, Estonia cannot tolerate this,” Tsahkna stated. He highlighted Estonia’s response, including sanctions in the form of entry bans on 25 Georgian politicians and senior officials responsible for the violence.

Tsahkna also voiced concern over the Georgian ruling party’s decision to halt the country’s European integration, describing it as shocking and a trigger for mass public protests. “The decision has inspired people to take to the streets, and they have every right to express their views,” he said.