“We see that issues related to European integration, including visa-free travel, are often used as a tool of blackmail against Georgia,” – said Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili while speaking to journalists about the possible suspension of visa liberalization.

According to her, such a decision would be very difficult for Brussels.

“We see that issues related to European integration, including visa-free travel, are often used as a tool of blackmail against Georgia. Whether Brussels will use this as a tool to punish Georgian citizens – of course, that is up to Brussels. I hope that the discussions taking place there will not be used against Georgian citizens undeservedly,” – said Maka Botchorishvili.

In addition, Maka Botchorishvili responded to the announcement that “Georgian Dream” is working on a new Electoral Code and that, according to one of the proposed amendments, similar to local self-government elections, citizens will be able to vote in parliamentary elections only within the state borders of Georgia.

According to her, this initiative is aimed at protecting democratic elections, ensuring national security and guarding against foreign interference.

“Of course, Georgian citizens have and will have the right to participate in elections – the electoral rights of citizens are not being restricted in any way. However, when we talk about foreign influence, when we talk about informed decisions, it is difficult to keep citizens abroad fully informed amid large-scale disinformation campaigns about the issues our national security concerns.

No one is restricted by this initiative. Every citizen of Georgia, just like in local elections, will have the opportunity to participate in the elections, vote for their preferred political subject, and carry out the voting procedure in Georgia,” – said Botchorishvili.

She added that such an approach is internationally common and its purpose is to ensure the stability and security of the country.

“Such rules exist in many places. Many democratic countries use this approach. Of course, this primarily arises from the needs of the country and its security, including the need to protect democracy,” – noted Maka Botchorishvili.