**Lithuania’s Reputation Damaging Acts to Continue, Says Georgian MP**
Georgia’s reputation will continue to be damaged by Lithuania’s government until a final judgement is delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (Strasbourg), says Shalva Papuashvili, a member of the Georgian parliament.
Papuashvili made this statement in response to Lithuania’s recent treatment of Georgia’s hotel chain, Melia. The Lithuanian government had accused the company of breaching EU sanctions on Russia, which led to a deterioration in relations between the two countries.
**A Pattern of Behavior**
According to Papuashvili, Lithuania’s actions against Melia are just another example of the country’s ongoing efforts to harm Georgia’s reputation. He believes that until Strasbourg delivers its verdict, Lithuania will continue to make accusations and damage Georgia’s international standing.
“It is a clear pattern,” Papuashvili said. “They [Lithuanian government] will keep on doing this until Strasbourg makes a judgement. And if Strasbourg exposes them in a groundless attack, they won’t even apologize.”
**Implications for Relations**
Papuashvili’s comments highlight the complex and sensitive nature of relations between Georgia and Lithuania. The two countries have historically had close ties, but recent incidents like the Melia affair have strained their relationship.
The Georgian MP’s statement also underscores the importance of Strasbourg’s judgement in resolving this dispute. The European Court of Human Rights is a key arbiter of human rights disputes within Europe, and its verdict will likely have significant implications for relations between Georgia and Lithuania.
**A Reputation at Stake**
Georgia’s reputation is indeed at stake here. The country has made significant efforts to establish itself as a stable and democratic nation in the region. Incidents like the Melia affair can damage this reputation and undermine trust with international partners.
As Papuashvili points out, if Strasbourg exposes Lithuania’s actions as unjustified, the Lithuanian government may not even apologize. This lack of accountability could have long-term consequences for relations between the two countries.
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