French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot: We once again firmly call on the diplomats and officials of the Georgian government to stop the repression. Today, we are making a decision to suspend the visa-free regime for them.

As he noted, the Georgian people have consistently and resolutely expressed their European aspiration for democracy and freedom, and this aspiration must be heard.

"Today, we are making a decision to suspend the visa-free regime for the diplomats and officials of the Georgian government. Once again, we strongly urge them to stop the repression against demonstrators, journalists, and representatives of civil society organizations. The Georgian people have consistently and resolutely expressed their European aspiration for democracy and freedom. This aspiration must be heard," states French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in a statement released by the French Embassy.