Tsotne Ivanishvili says Georgia's EU path should not come at expense of national traditions

Tsotne Ivanishvili, son of ruling party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili, on Monday said Georgia should pursue European Union integration while preserving its traditions, customs and values, arguing that the country's European aspirations should not come at the expense of its national identity.

Speaking to journalists, Ivanishvili said Georgia should strive towards the values on which Europe and the European Union were built, including Christian morality and human rights.

"Georgia should aspire to the European Union and the values that define Europe. We should do so while preserving our traditions, customs and dignity, not at their expense," he said.