Parliament official says “certain opposition groups” aiming to hinder European integration

Mikheil Sarjveladze, the chair of the Georgian parliament's committee on human rights, on Monday said “certain opposition groups” were aiming to jeopardise the implementation of “any” of the European Union conditions for granting the country the membership candidate status.

Sarjveladze alleged the part of the opposition was attempting to “at least damage the reputation of the process”.

These political groups have a great desire to create a situation in Georgia where any of the recommendations may be in jeopardy. For this reason, they are trying to damage the reputation of the process that has been taking place in Georgia for implementing the recommendations. From day one, their attitude has been destructive. Their goal is to hinder Georgia's European integration”, the parliament official said. 

He also added the opposition “consider it their own failure that under the government of the Georgian Dream party it was possible to take such important steps as visa-free travel to Europe, the [2014-signed] association agreement and the thorough execution of these tasks. This is perceived as a party failure, despite the fact that it is a country's success”.

On June 24, the European Council granted the membership candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and said it would be ready to grant the same status to Georgia once the outstanding priorities outlined by the European Commission would be addressed by the Georgian government.