Within the framework of the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe [CoE], the Vice Prime Minister / Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia made a comment to the media.

According to Maka Botchorishvili, the format of the CoE Ministerial is an important opportunity for Georgia to discuss, together with partner countries, the issues that carry particular importance for the country’s foreign policy agenda.

“First and foremost, the security challenges facing Georgia are very significant. Our fellow ministers were accordingly informed about the developments taking place in relation to Georgia, and in relation to the occupied regions of Georgia. Of course, it is impossible not to address the attitude that exists on the part of the organization’s member states towards Georgia. When we speak about democracy, it is impossible to close our eyes to the double standards that are applied in relation to Georgia”, - said the Minister.

She expressed particular concern over the fact that three Georgian television stations were denied accreditation to cover the ministerial meeting.

“It was truly alarming to see the fact that three Georgian television stations were denied accreditation, and they were unable to carry out their professional activities and cover the ministerial meeting.

This is indeed a noteworthy fact and deserves to be known by the members of the organization, regarding the extent to which double standards are being applied while they speak about freedom of media and speech. Consequently, this fact could not remain unaddressed during my speech”, - noted Maka Botchorishvili.

According to the Minister, the foundation of a democratic society is elections, and it is precisely the government elected by the people that represents the legitimate interests of the country.

“When we speak about democracy, it is impossible, on one hand, to criticize democratic backsliding and, on the other hand, for the same countries and the same people to encourage radical forces in the country who do not participate in elections, do not recognize election results, and, in general, oppose the principles of democracy. Therefore, such a double standard and attitude must always be under attention. Of course, this might not be pleasant for everyone to hear, but this is not a gathering where we should speak only about pleasant matters. It is important that attention is focused on all critical issues”, - added Maka Botchorishvili.