Georgia suspends talks on joining the EU for 4 years, accusing the bloc of 'blackmail'
In this photo released by the Georgian Dream party, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, left, Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the created Georgian Dream party which he initiated, and Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was nominated by the governing Georgian Dream party as a candidate for the presidential election, speak to the media, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Credit: AP
TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia is suspending talks on its bid to join the European Union for four years, its prime minister said Thursday, in view of what he described as “blackmail and manipulation” from some of the bloc's politicians.
The statement by Irakli Kobakhize came hours after he was reappointed to the job by members of the governing Georgian Dream party after its disputed victory in last month’s parliamentary election that has sparked protests and led to an opposition boycott of parliament.
The Oct. 26 election was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. The opposition said the vote was rigged under the influence of Russia seeking to keep Georgia in its orbit, and declared a boycott of parliament.
European election observers said the balloting took place in a “divisive” atmosphere marked by instances of bribery, double voting and physical violence.
The EU has previously announced that the talks on Georgia’s accession to the bloc had been de-facto halted because of its backsliding on democracy.
It's the great NewsdayTV Thanksgiving special! Grateful, giving back and gathering with friends and family for a feast: NewsdayTV's team takes a look at how Long Islanders are celebrating Thanksgiving
It's the great NewsdayTV Thanksgiving special! Grateful, giving back and gathering with friends and family for a feast: NewsdayTV's team takes a look at how Long Islanders are celebrating Thanksgiving
