German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer has reaffirmed that the international community, including Germany, is prepared to continue using sanctions in response to human rights violations.
“We do not want to impose sanctions, but we apply them based on universal human rights standards and agreements that Georgia itself has signed, including with the UN, the Council of Europe, and through various human rights charters,” Fischer told the Public Broadcaster.
The ambassador emphasized that international commitments bind Georgia, and if these are violated, sanctions remain a valid tool. He stressed that such measures have already been used in the past and will be applied again “if necessary.”
Fischer also commented on recent legislation in Georgia that, according to him, restricts civil society and minority rights and conflicts with the principles of the EU visa-free regime.
“Georgia knows exactly what to do. The EU operates under written rules. Some laws adopted here restrict civil society and minorities, and do not meet EU standards. That is the core message,” he stated.
Fischer’s remarks come amid growing concerns from the EU and Western allies over democratic backsliding and civil rights issues in Georgia.
