Georgia’s prime minister slams protests in Tbilisi

By Davit Kachkachishvili

TBILISI, Georgia (AA) - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized ongoing protests in Tbilisi on Sunday, calling them violent.

"The protests in Tbilisi are not peaceful," he said during a press conference, accusing demonstrators of attacking police and the parliament building.

Kobakhidze said the opposition was attempting to stage events similar to Ukraine’s 2014 "Maidan incidents" and vowed to prevent such actions.

He also revealed that foreign nationals, including Russians and a British citizen, were among those involved.

"We may be dealing with foreign 'trainers' organizing these violent groups, but this is a matter of investigation," he said.

Despite announcing the suspension of European Union membership negotiations until 2028, Kobakhidze reaffirmed the government's commitment to EU integration.

"We pledge to make every effort for Georgia’s full membership in the EU by 2030," he said.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul