“When they tell us that Georgia is ‘behind’ Ukraine and Moldova, our answer is simple: Georgia chooses dignity and peace!” Irakli Kirtskhalia, leader of the parliamentary majority, said this in response to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

In a social media post, Kirtskhalia said Georgia’s “roadmap” involves moving forward with dignity and that this approach will ultimately lead to success.

“European Commissioner Marta Kos says that Georgia is behind Ukraine and Moldova and therefore cannot receive a roadmap for accession.

“If progress in Brussels is now measured by how unquestioningly a country fulfills certain political demands, then this is no longer merit-based European integration, but an assessment of unquestioning obedience.

“The Georgian government has repeatedly demonstrated that it can implement the reforms necessary for European integration, but for us there are red lines, national interests and respect for the decisions of the government elected by the Georgian people.

“We want EU membership not at any cost and not at the expense of Georgia’s interests. Therefore, when they tell us that Georgia is ‘behind’ Ukraine and Moldova, our answer is simple: Georgia chooses dignity and peace!

“We respect a Europe where Georgia is respected as an equal state, rather than as a country that is told from outside what it must give up in order to earn the status of a ‘good student.’

“And finally, those who, following the European Commissioner’s ‘roadmap,’ sought to create disorder in the country and forcibly change the government elected by the people are now serving prison sentences and requesting plea agreements. Georgia’s ‘roadmap’ is about moving forward with dignity, and through this approach, we will all ultimately achieve success,” Kirtskhalia wrote.

For reference, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said at a press conference that Georgia is a candidate country only on paper.

She added that what is currently happening in Georgia will be reflected in the enlargement report.

“As you know, Georgia is a candidate country only on paper. I regret that. I would like Georgia, with the strong support of the Georgian people, to be at the same level today as Moldova and Ukraine,” Kos said.