Maka Botchorishvili Addresses the Participants of the Council of Europe Ministerial Session

At the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held on 15 May in Moldova, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili addressed the participants. The Minister spoke about the challenges facing Europe and noted that war and conflict are not the only threats undermining the foundations upon which Europe is built. In this context, the Minister highlighted the issue of media freedom, stating that representatives of three Georgian television channels were denied entry into Moldova and, as a result, were prevented from carrying out their professional duties covering the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

“Today, journalists from three different Georgian television channels who wished to cover our meeting were denied entry into Moldova and prevented from carrying out their professional duties. It is deeply troubling when freedom of speech and media freedom are interpreted selectively,” stated Maka Botchorishvili.

In her speech, the Minister noted that criticism is a natural component of democracy; however, she stressed that when political objectives are placed above facts, it leads to the erosion of trust rather than the strengthening of democracy.

The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the issue of double standards applied to Georgia, stating that it is hypocritical to speak of a “democratic backsliding” while simultaneously supporting radical forces that reject participation in elections.

“It is hypocrisy to lament a so-called “democratic backsliding” while simultaneously encouraging radical forces that are rejecting elections; to claim “support for the Georgian people” while demonstratively distancing oneself from the government elected by those very people; to speak of the rule of law while at the same time seeking ways to circumvent law and justice,” emphasized the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Maka Botchorishvili spoke about the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories and drew attention to Russia’s disregard for its international obligations, as well as to steps taken toward the annexation of Georgia’s regions.

“The occupation, effective control, and Russia’s responsibility for grave human rights violations have been confirmed by international courts, including judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Nevertheless, Russia continues to disregard its international obligations and is taking further steps toward the annexation of Georgia’s regions. Evidence of this is the so-called “Agreement on Deepening Alliance and Cooperation” signed on May 9, 2026, between Moscow and the Russian occupation regime in Tskhinvali,” highlighted Minister Botchorishvili.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs underscored the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that no country can be truly secure if international law is applied selectively:

“Today, as the war in Ukraine continues, it has become even clearer that no country can truly be secure if international law is applied selectively, if occupation is gradually accepted as a “new normal,” and if force is allowed to prevail over law”.

In concluding her speech, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to a policy of the peaceful resolution of conflicts and stated that Georgia is making every effort to preserve peace, stability and security in the region.

“We know the price of war all too well, and we understand that peace is not merely the absence of military escalation, but a responsibility before our people, our region, and our shared European future,” stated Maka Botchorishvili.