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The News in Brief

Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Irakli Kobakhidze Affirms Georgia's Fulfillment of All 12 Recommendations

During a press conference held in the Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream party, stated that Georgia has fulfilled its priorities. He mentioned that last year they were prepared to be granted candidate status, and in the current circumstances, there is no valid reason for Georgia not to receive the candidate status.

"Indeed, everything, including the latest statistics, indicates that the government, primarily with the involvement of the Parliament, has fulfilled all twelve priorities presente European Commission. We are prepared for consultations regarding the legislation, and there will be no obstacles in this regard. Numbers are often susceptible to manipulation; however, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that we have effectively addressed the priorities. Last year, we were also ready to be granted candidate status, and there is no valid reason for Georgia to be denied that status. While a political decision will be made in December, the specific outcome cannot be predicted in advance. Nevertheless, if we consider a decision based on facts, Georgia undoubtedly qualifies for candidate status," stated Irakli Kobakhidze.



Kakha Kaladze: Saakashvili Used Self-Harm as a Strategy to Avoid Punishment

According to Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi, Mikheil Saakashvili attempted to demonstrate to the global community that human rights were being violated in Georgia.

"The court has made a decision, Mikheil Saakashvili has been sentenced to prison for specific crimes. As you know, he appealed and brought the matter to Strasbourg. We know very well what Strasbourg wrote in relation to the mentioned case. Therefore, there is an answer to every question. What Saakashvili tried was a PR campaign against Georgia. It was an attempt to show the world that human rights and the rights of prisoners were being violated in Georgia," said Kaladze.

According to Kaladze, Saakashvili engaged in self-harm as part of his strategy to evade punishment.

"This person was in a self-harm mode. This was also part of the PR strategy. Nothing actually happens. The main thing is that this person gets the appropriate calories. Mikheil Saakashvili is serving his sentence in a clinic because a campaign was launched about his health problems. This person has been in self-harm mode all this time in order to escape punishment. Certain doctors and politicians came forward and said that he was poisoned by the government. They should come out now and apologize to the public for the lie," stated Kaladze.