Prepared by Messenger Staff
Papuashvili: EU Membership Involves Compromises on Sovereignty and Trade
Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, speaking on Rustavi 2, Papuashvili claimed that EU membership would involve significant compromises.
"Membership of the Union means giving up part of sovereignty and economic freedom," he stated, adding that Georgia would have to terminate free trade agreements with countries like China and members of the CIS .
Papuashvili expressed optimism about Georgia's readiness for EU integration. "By 2030, Georgia will be the most prepared country for EU membership," he claimed.
Chairman also claimed that if Georgia joins the European Union, it would become part of the Schengen area. He said this would mean that entering Georgia would grant access to the Schengen area, and as a result, people from countries without visa-free travel agreements with the EU would not be able to enter Georgia.
"Do you know how many countries we will have to cancel visa-free traffic with?" Papuashvili asked. "On one side is integration with the European Union, on the other side is disintegration with many countries," he added.
Papuashvili criticized the Lithuanian Foreign Minister's involvement in local protests. "How can we hope for a positive decision from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania? He goes to rallies here. What can we do?"
Court Grants Extradition of Journalist Afghan Sadigov to Azerbaijan
The Tbilisi City Court, under Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, has approved the extradition of Afghan Sadigov to Azerbaijan. Sadigov, the editor-in-chief of Azerbaijan's azel.tv, has been on hunger strike for several weeks, leading to serious health complications. His case has attracted attention from various international organizations, urging Georgia to release him due to his deteriorating condition.
Sadigov, known for his critical reporting on corruption and social issues in Azerbaijan, has faced political persecution, having been arrested twice in Azerbaijan. He went on hunger strike, which significantly affected his health. To seek medical treatment, Sadigov traveled to Georgia, where he was arrested on August 3, with the court granting extradition custody the following day.
The Azerbaijani government has charged Sadigov with threats and extortion, according to Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, which led to his arrest for extradition. However, Sadigov's family claims the accusations are fabricated, warning that extradition would expose him to brutal treatment under the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Prior to his arrest, Sadigov was blocked from leaving Georgia on July 18, when airport authorities informed him that he could only depart for Baku.
