The Government of Georgia responds to the sanctions imposed by Lithuania and Estonia against Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and several government officials on December 15, noting that Estonia and Lithuania are states whose sovereignty is presently the most limited across the EU, and whose Governments act on instructions from the administration of a foreign country, not in the interests of their own people, the main reason why the Governments of these states are forced to act against their own dignity.
"Unfortunately, despite 33 years of independence, the authorities of Lithuania and Estonia have yet to break free of the soviet mentality. We wish our friendly Estonian and Lithuanian people stronger sovereignty and all the best in the year 2025,” the statement reads.
According to the statement of Georgian government, the Georgian authorities have the right and ability to counter the anti-Georgian decision of the Governments of Lithuania and Estonia with reciprocal measures. However, because of respect for the Lithuanians and the Estonians, Georgian government believes it unreasonable to take said step.
"We have decided to remain in the mode of unilateral friendship with both states lest we, on our part, undermine the traditional friendship between the people of Georgia, Estonia, and Lithuania", - the government said.
Lithuania and Estonia have imposed sanctions against Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and several government officials, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budris announced on X on Dec. 15.
Lithuania expanded its sanctions list to include 17 individuals, while Estonia sanctioned 14 officials earlier that day.
The Baltic states had previously imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and members of the Interior Ministry for human rights violations.
Similar actions have already been taken by the U.S., which on Dec. 12 announced visa bans on approximately 20 Georgian individuals accused of "undermining democracy."
