Georgia Rejects New EU Sanctions on Iran, Citing National Interests
Georgia has decided not to join the European Union’s latest sanctions against Iran, saying its foreign policy decisions are based on the country’s national interests.
Tengiz Sharmanashvili, a representative of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, said Tbilisi evaluates international measures according to whether they serve Georgia’s interests at a particular time.
He said Georgia would not support a decision simply because it benefits another country or group of countries if it conflicts with Georgia’s own interests.
Sharmanashvili also pointed to Turkey and Serbia, noting that both countries are EU candidates but did not join the latest sanctions against Iran.
Georgia’s decision highlights differences among countries with close political and economic links to the European Union over how to respond to increasing pressure on Iran.
