Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused European bureaucracy of applying double standards, noting that European officials have begun openly discussing the need for direct dialogue with Russia, while direct dialogue with Georgia has still not been restored.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said that the refusal to engage directly with Georgia has been justified by claims that “Georgia has a pro-Russian or Russian government.”

“These are double standards demonstrated by European bureaucracy. They have started openly talking about the necessity of direct dialogue with Russia, while to this day they have not restored direct dialogue with Georgia on the pretext that ‘Georgia is a pro-Russian or Russian-governed country.’ Look at how far these standards have fallen within European bureaucracy,” the Prime Minister stated.

He added that he hopes the restoration of direct dialogue with Russia will also lead to the resumption of direct dialogue with Georgia.

“Let us see - hopefully, after direct dialogue with Russia is restored, they will also manage to restore direct dialogue with Georgia,” Kobakhidze said.