Georgia suspends talks on joining the European Union and accuses the bloc of blackmail

Associated Press

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia’s prime minister says the country will suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in view of what he described as “blackmail and manipulation” from some EU politicians. Irakli Kobakhidze made the declaration Thursday after he was reappointed by members of the Georgian Dream party, whose disputed election victory last month has sparked protests and an opposition boycott of parliament. The election was widely seen as a referendum on Georgia’s aspirations to join the EU. The opposition said the vote was rigged under the influence of Russia to keep the South Caucasus country in its orbit. Thousands of protesters poured into the streets following Kobakhidze’s announcement, rallying in the capital and other cities.