Georgian Foreign Minister Challenges Linking 'Russian Law' to EU Accession Talks, Emphasizes Transparency Goal
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, April 12, 2024
During discussions with journalists in Germany, Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, emphasized the critical role of transparency. He highlighted transparency as a key value that strengthens Georgia's connection with the European community.
Darchiashvili explained that the draft law 'On transparency of foreign influence', often referred to as 'Russian law', aims to promote transparency and accountability to the Georgian people.
"Our main message to our partners is for them to fully understand what this law entails. Our primary concern is that our partners may not have the accurate information, but rather rely on information conveyed by others. However, we want to engage in a thematic discussion with them regarding this issue because transparency is the main value that brings us closer to the European family. We do not understand any argument that contradicts transparency. We have our specific arguments, and there are no arguments that can be countered.
The legislative process will begin, and discussions around this law will commence. Everyone will have the opportunity to share their vision in an inclusive manner within the parliament. The main vision of this law is that everyone is obliged to be transparent and accountable to the Georgian people; this is the main message," said Ilia Darchiashvili.
Darchiashvili also responded to the remarks made by the EU ambassador, Pawel Herczynski, who emphasized that due to the law's inconsistency with European values, the European Commission would encounter challenges in providing a positive assessment. Foreign Minister asserted that linking the 'Russian law' with the initiation of EU accession negotiations for Georgia is not a suitable approach.
"I have not heard the statement of the EU ambassador, but I believe that connecting this law with the opening of negotiations is not the right approach. Our further integration into the European Union depends on the reform agenda that we have agreed to and recommended accordingly. We follow this process; we are responsible for all the commitments we have made and will fulfill them," said Darchiashvili.
