TBILISI ACCUSES BRUSSELS OF INTERFERING IN GEORGIA’S INTERNAL AFFAIRS

TBILISI, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA – RIA Novosti/ – The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the EU of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs following comments by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand regarding an investigation conducted by the country’s Constitutional Court.

RIA Novosti recalls that Wigand said yesterday that the EU was closely monitoring the investigation into a possible ban on the activities of five Georgian opposition parties, claiming that it is "a worrying abuse of the judiciary" and that it "poses a threat to fundamental freedoms, democratic pluralism and political competition".

"The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses concern over statements by EU representatives regarding proceedings before Georgia's Constitutional Court and considers that questioning the legitimacy of the process constitutes pressure on a constitutional institution and interference in Tbilisi’s internal affairs," the ministry cited in a statement.

The statement stressed that the court should be able to review the case independently, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant legislation.

The ministry called on Brussels to refrain from making such statements, adding that the rhetoric of EU officials, which undermines constructive cooperation between Tbilisi and the Union, was a matter of concern.