**EU Ambassador Urges Georgian Government to Reconsider its Stance**
The European Union’s Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, has made a passionate appeal to the country’s government to reconsider its stance on democracy and human rights. Speaking at an event organized by the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi, Ambassador Herczyński emphasized that the EU is committed to supporting Georgia’s bid to join the union.
However, he noted that the Georgian Dream government’s actions have been contradictory to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The ambassador expressed concern over the intimidation, violence, and brutality witnessed in recent months, particularly against activists. He emphasized that the EU is working towards imposing sanctions on those responsible for the violence.
**Sanctions Still on the Table**
Despite ongoing efforts, Ambassador Herczyński acknowledged that the EU has yet to reach a consensus on imposing sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for the violence. However, he expressed hope that the majority of member states will eventually agree on taking action against specific individuals involved in the violence.
The ambassador pointed out that more and more countries are targeting specific individuals with bilateral sanctions. He urged the Georgian government to move closer to the EU rather than distancing itself. “Please come closer to us,” he said, adding that the EU is based on values and principles that prioritize democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
**A Missed Opportunity?**
Ambassador Herczyński emphasized that it was the Georgian Dream government itself that submitted its application for EU membership in 2022. He noted that this commitment to abide by democratic principles has been ignored by the government since Georgia received candidate status a year and a half ago.
The ambassador’s comments suggest that the Georgian government may be missing an opportunity to strengthen ties with the EU and advance its bid for membership. As the EU Ambassador, Herczyński is in a unique position to observe the developments on the ground and offer guidance to the Georgian government.
**A Complex Situation**
The situation in Georgia is complex, with the government facing opposition from various groups. The violence against activists has raised concerns among international observers, including the EU. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Georgian government will take steps to address these concerns and move closer to the EU.
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