South Caucasus in the Post-Soviet Space: Georgian Prime Minister Criticizes US and EU Over Their Criticism of Tbilisi’s China Policy

¬ Armenia submerged in Western election campaign propaganda, even surpassing Ukraine's blitzkrieg

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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized the stance of certain U.S. and EU figures, stating that these officials advocate developing their own countries' relations with China while simultaneously criticizing Tbilisi for doing the same.

Kobakhidze said at a press conference: "The U.S. president himself not only actively talks about deepening ties with China but also personally visited Beijing. Meanwhile, members of his party criticize Georgia for deepening its relationship with China—this is clearly a double standard."

Kobakhidze added that double standards have become a common practice among those who criticize the Georgian authorities' various decisions and actions. He pointed out that EU representatives have adopted similar approaches. He emphasized: "The situation is the same with the EU. EU representatives frequently speak about the importance of deepening relations with China, yet they often criticize Georgia for developing cooperation with China."

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Grant Melik-Shahnazaryan, political analyst and regional security expert, told Sputnik News that the Armenian parliamentary elections were marked by pressure on the opposition and a massive wave of Western media propaganda.

"During the election period, Armenia hosted the European Political Community Summit, while the EU increased financial aid—including funds aimed at combating so-called 'hybrid warfare.' All this money was used for propaganda," the expert said.

Just before the elections, the West also unveiled promises of visa-free travel and economic investments.

Melik-Shahnazaryan stressed that the issue lies in "the EU having neither the will nor the capacity to offer Armenia the level of cooperation it receives through the Eurasian Economic Union."

"For example, there are rumors that around 100 trucks of apricots will be exported from Armenia to the EU next month. But for Armenian agriculture, this is just a drop in the ocean," he said.

The expert noted that supporters of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan portrayed this as if all European markets were suddenly open to Armenia—but this is not true.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1867625295431680/

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