Georgian PM calls Estonian sanctions an ‘extremely unfriendly step’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday described the sanctions imposed by Estonia as an “extremely unfriendly step”. 

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze criticized the Estonian government’s decision, saying, “Estonia has imposed sanctions before, which is an extremely unfriendly step towards the Georgian people, towards our country, but we remain in a unilateral friendship regime, this is our political decision.”

The Estonian government on Thursday announced a decision to impose visa requirements on holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. The measure was in line with a broader European Union decision, which Estonia was required to implement, the country’s foreign office said. 

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the decision was a response to concerns over Georgia’s internal situation, including allegations of repression against protesters, journalists, and civil society by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party.

Tsahkna also indicated that discussions were ongoing within the European Union about restricting visa-free travel for Georgian citizens holding biometric passports.