The newly elected High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kalas, condemned the use of force by the Georgian police against the pro-European demonstrations in Tbilisi. According to Kalas, violence against peaceful protesters is "unacceptable" and the Georgian authorities must respect the wishes of their people, BTA reports.
Reaction to the protests
Protests in Georgia erupted after the government's decision to end EU accession talks. Mass demonstrations took place for a third night in a row, with police using rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators who threw fireworks and other objects outside the parliament in Tbilisi.
The position of the EU
„It is clear that violence against peaceful protesters is not acceptable and that the Georgian government must respect the will of the Georgian people, Kalas said during a visit to Kyiv.
She added that Georgia's actions would have "clear consequences" for relations with the EU, offering the member countries different options for reaction, including the possibility of sanctions.
The political situation in Georgia
The demonstrations are a consequence of parliamentary elections in Georgia in October, which were contested by the opposition. According to opposition parties, the election was manipulated with the help of Russia, leading to mass protests and a boycott of parliament. This is just one of the consequences of Russia's growing influence on Georgian domestic politics.