Georgian authorities have the right and ability to counter the anti-Georgian decision of the Governments of Lithuania and Estonia with reciprocal measures, but because of respect for the Lithuanians and the Estonians, we believe it unreasonable to take said step. Such a statement the Government of Georgia released in response to the recent sanctions imposed by the Lithuanian and Estonian governments on Georgian officials.

“As you know, the Governments of Lithuania and Estonia have made a decision to impose sanctions on about 20 representatives of Georgia’s authorities, including the Prime Minister.

The Georgian authorities have the right and ability to counter the anti-Georgian decision of the Governments of Lithuania and Estonia with reciprocal measures. However, because of respect for the Lithuanians and the Estonians, we believe it unreasonable to take said step.

We have decided to remain in the mode of unilateral friendship with both states lest we, on our part, undermine the traditional friendship between the people of Georgia, Estonia, and Lithuania.

It is widely known that Estonia and Lithuania are states whose sovereignty is presently the most limited across the EU, and whose Governments act on instructions from the administration of a foreign country, not in the interests of their own people, the main reason why the Governments of these states are forced to act against their own dignity.

Unfortunately, despite 33 years of independence, the authorities of Lithuania and Estonia have yet to break free of the soviet mentality.

We wish our friendly Estonian and Lithuanian people stronger sovereignty and all the best in the year 2025”, - reads the statement.