Georgian PM says every state “must respect” each other's sovereignty, independence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said every state must respect each other's sovereignty, independence, and without the protection of these principles, no fair relations” between the countries  can be formed.

In his interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Kobakhidze stressed the defending of Georgia’s sovereignty was “the line of protection of national interests”, and that policy would continue in the future by his Government.

Our election slogan [ in the pre-election period of the ruling Georgian Dream party] was towards Europe only with peace, dignity, and prosperity. Dignity was one of the keywords here. If you don't conduct your politics with dignity, of course you certainly won't be able to properly defend your national interests. It is important to demonstrate our principles everywhere”, Kobakhidze said.

The PM rejected the criticism of unspecific foreign politicians and bureaucrats who “often try to blatantly interfere in our interior affairs and decide how our country should develop“.

He also said European politicians' urge to join international sanctions on [Russia] would cause economic reduction with 10 percent in Georgia that “at least  would be catastrophic for the country”, adding his Government would continue to defend the country “against any attempts of excessive interference in the future”.