Georgian PM accuses European Parliament of failing to recognise Georgia's sovereignty

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused the European Parliament of failing to recognise Georgia's sovereignty by refusing to acknowledge what he described as the country's democratically elected government.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kobakhidze said the Georgian government was prepared to pursue a policy of countering what it views as non-recognition, including in relation to the European Parliament.

According to the prime minister, refusing to recognise a government elected by the people constitutes an attack on a country's sovereignty.

Kobakhidze drew a parallel between the European Parliament's stance and the refusal by Russia and several other states to recognise Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

"When you do not recognise a government elected by the people, it means an attack on the country's sovereignty. We will oppose this policy," he said.

The prime minister added that Georgia's objective was to secure recognition of its sovereignty and territorial integrity from all international actors, including both Russia's State Duma and the European Parliament.

Kobakhidze also criticised the European Parliament, saying it resembled the former Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union in its approach and political culture, describing the situation as "tragic".