The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expressed regret over the European Union’s decision to include the oil terminal and refinery complex in Kulevi in its 21st package of sanctions. The ministry’s statement emphasized that Georgia fully complies with the EU sanctions regime, understands its objectives, and takes all necessary measures to ensure that the country’s territory is not used to circumvent sanctions.
“Cooperation with the European Union in this area is based on the principles of transparency and openness. As part of this interaction, Georgia’s competent authorities consistently and in a timely manner provide EU institutions with all necessary information and clarifications.
The effectiveness of Georgia’s state institutions is demonstrated by the fact that to date, not a single case of EU sanctions evasion has been recorded on the country’s territory.
During the preparation of the 21st sanctions package, the Georgian side provided the European Commission with comprehensive information and relevant documentation that unequivocally confirm the lack of any factual or legal grounds for including the Kulevi oil terminal in the sanctions list.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses hope that during the six-month period provided for by this decision, the relevant services of the European Commission and EU member states will be guided by the principle of fairness and reconsider this decision.
Georgia remains ready to cooperate with European Union institutions and to provide all necessary information,” the MFA statement reads.
