Georgia president to hold talks with European ministers about ‘how to save country’ after mass protests – Europe live | Georgia

“We’ve come to Georgia as your closest friends, friends who care about Georgia and its people, who care about the European future of Georgia,” the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergisthey said in Tbilisi.

Speaking alongside ministers from Estonia, Latvia and Iceland, as well as the president of Georgia, Landsbergis spoke of the “totally unacceptable use of force against protesters” as well as a “orchestrated campaign of intimidation against NGOs and activists” and “remarkable resilience” “. from Georgians.

He added:

The first purpose of our coming here is to express our support and solidarity with all those who are fighting for the democratic and European elections of Georgia, for the European future of Georgia. This future belongs to the Georgian people and must not be conquered by anyone.

Our second aim is to send a very clear message to the representatives of the ruling party, both in parliament and in government, about the risks and dire consequences that Georgia will face if they continue on this very dangerous course.

president of georgia, Salome Zurabishviligovernment critic, spoke today alongside visiting foreign ministers from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Iceland who traveled to Tbilisi to show their support for Georgians who are calling for a pro-European, democratic future for their country.

“This society really stands on values ​​that are European values: democracy, freedom,” Zurabishvili said, stressing that Georgia has always fought for independence and “will never return to the hands of Russia.”

“The following question is on the agenda today: how to save Georgia,” she added.

Amid ongoing protests and government repression, a group of high-ranking European politicians are visiting Georgia to show their support for the demonstrators.

Michael Roth, chairman of the Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee, was among those attending a protest in Tbilisi last night. He described it as “one of the most exciting moments of my political life”.

Good morning and welcome back to Europe blog.

Send tips and comments to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.