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Thursday, 13.11.2025, 01:19
Georgian PM criticized in Lithuania over media freedom
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| Photo: lrv.lt |
"We brought to attention the importance of the rule of law, reforms of the law-enforcement and free press in ensuring democratic development in Georgia," Butkevicius said in a joint media statement.
"We are concerned about the reports about tensions over freedom of operations of some Georgian media channels," the Lithuanian prime minister added.
Butkevicius did not specify any media channels, however, his spokeswoman Evelina Butkute- Lazdauskiene confirmed to BNS Lithuania that the meeting of the two PMs addressed the Rustavi 2 situation.
Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili did not comment on the situation in his statement. Vilnius journalists did not have an opportunity to ask questions.
Reuters news agency reported that the Georgian court on Tuesday ordered Rustavi 2 to had over the television control to Kibar Khalvashi who was one of the channel's owners in 2004-2006. Khalvashi says he had sold Rustavi 2 amid pressure from then administration of Mikheil Saakashvili.
Nevertheless, television representatives and independent observers maintain the step signifies the current administration's attempt to cork critics and restrict media freedom.
At the meeting with the Georgian prime minister, Butkevicius also emphasized Lithuania's "firm support" to Georgia's territorial integrity, censuring "the unlawful demarcation of borders in South Ossetia and movement towards the Tbilisi-controlled territory." Georgia and its allies in the Western world see South Ossetia and Abkhazia as occupied territories, whereas Russia recognized them as independent countries after a brief war of 2008.
The Lithuanian PM noted that Georgia's signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) led to improved bilateral trade relations. The Lithuanian government said the bilateral trade turnover soared by nearly 40 percent over the past year.
The head of the Georgian government said the European integration remained a priority, assuring the administration's determination to proceed with the ongoing reforms to come closer to European standards. He expressed hope for the EU's "positive" decision in December on visa-free travels.
Garibashvili said Lithuania was a "true ally," thanking for its support to territorial integrity and EU and NATO membership aspirations.
"Lithuania's achievements for us, for Georgians, are exemplary," said the Georgian PM.









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