**EU Should Apply Diplomatic Pressure on Georgian Government, Polish MEP Says**
The European Union should put pressure on the Georgian government to make sure it respects democratic standards and human rights, says Polish MEP Michał Kobosko.
In an interview with InterpressNews, he said that Georgia’s government has a clear choice: “Either choose the European way, the democratic way, or resign seeing the number, the size and scale of citizens’ protests.”
Kobosko believes that EU leaders should link their support for Georgia to how well the Georgian people are treated by their government. This includes ensuring judicial independence, protecting human rights, and promoting press freedom.
“We see some moves from the Georgian Dream towards limiting and reducing press freedom,” he said. “I believe there are ways that the EU can use diplomatic pressure to persuade the government which way is best for your country.”
**Comparing Georgia and Belarus**
Kobosko also noted that Georgia is not yet in the same situation as Belarus, another European country with a authoritarian government.
“Thank God, you are not in the position of Belarus yet,” he said. “But unfortunately, we can see many signs that Georgia is on the Belarusian path.”
However, Kobosko believes that Georgia still has a strong civil society and independent media, which can resist pressure from the government. He pointed to the country’s recent protests, which have lasted for over 100 days.
**EU Support for Georgia**
The Polish MEP stressed that Europe supports Georgia’s aspirations for democracy and freedom. “We are standing with a free and democratic Georgia,” he said. “We are supporting your dreams, your aspirations, your beliefs, and you can count on us.”
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
