Russia is trying to strengthen its influence and weaken the influence of Europe. This is, for example, a free visa regime, the restoration of direct flights, and everything is aimed at creating internal tension, confusion and escalation, the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, said this during her speech in the European Parliament.

According to her, the candidate status would strengthen the status of Georgia in the region.

"Russia is trying to strengthen its influence and weaken the influence of Europe, this is, for example, a free visa regime, the restoration of direct flights, and everything is aimed at domestic tension, confusion and escalation. This will not happen, neither for Georgia nor for Europe. While Europe is helping Ukraine against this brutal force, it may be a more subtle support for Georgia, but it's not really subtle, it's a deliberate support for us, and candidate status would strengthen our status in the region, and Europe understands the importance of this region and in that new world which is being created, understands that Georgia is a part of all this and a central element of a secure Black Sea and Caucasus region. It is the key to various projects in the direction of the Black and Sea and Central Asia. Of course, the candidate status would support the further strengthening of our democracy, to further strengthen democracy in Georgia and continue this trajectory. This goal should not be used by populist forces to create an anti-European trend and such a narrative continues that Georgia is denied candidate status because Europe does not share Georgia's traditions. We all know that this is a complete lie, the Georgian people have shown us where they stand, and we should not deny the possibilities of dark forces that are trying to shake this solidity. The status of the candidate would give us the opportunity to reach the democratic future, to achieve all these recommendations, to create a basis for considering these 12 recommendations," said the President.

source: IPN