In Tbilisi, clashes between demonstrators and police have erupted once again.

Demonstrators have once again blocked the central Rustaveli Avenue. Police, including special forces, have arrived at the scene. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that opposition supporters were allegedly discussing the possibility of blocking the operations of strategic facilities. The broadcast is conducted by the Georgian service of Radio Free Europe.

The demonstrators have no intention of dispersing, despite the late hour. They are banging makeshift objects against the gates of the parliament building. The outdoor lighting of the building has been turned off. Protesters are also attempting to break down the gates of the parliament.

After 10 PM local time, police began attempts to disperse the crowd. Special forces are using water cannons. In response, the protesters are throwing firecrackers at the police.

Around midnight, the protesters began to be pushed off Rustaveli Avenue. Reports of arrests are coming in.

The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, addressed law enforcement officials, urging them not to use force against the protesters. "Do not raise your hand against our young citizens and others!" - she said. - "Stay away and fulfill your duty! Nothing is happening on Rustaveli or in other cities that requires your participation or raids." Zourabichvili emphasized the peaceful nature of the protests, stating: "In every respect, it is clear that no one is willing to tolerate a Russified Georgia, a Georgia that has lost its constitution, a Georgia that is in the hands of an illegitimate government and parliament."

Earlier on Friday, officials from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed protest against the country's abandonment of Eurointegration. The document states that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to suspend negotiations for EU membership until 2028 does not align with Georgia's strategic interests.

Diplomats warn that such a step may lead to the country's isolation, a loss of favorable conditions for integration with the EU and Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as a weakening of national security.

The refusal of Eurointegration contradicts Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia, which enshrines the course towards rapprochement with the European Union, note the authors. In their opinion, support from Western partners is vital for the country to counter threats that are increasing amid international instability.

In turn, the Georgian ambassador to Bulgaria, Otar Berdzenishvili, has resigned. He emphasized that he cannot continue his diplomatic service while efforts for Eurointegration are being undermined.

Officials from the Georgian Ministry of Defense also issued a statement emphasizing the importance of the country's cooperation with European and Euro-Atlantic structures and recognizing the contribution of Western partners to the development of Georgia's defense capabilities and deterrent abilities. The authors of the document stressed that they remain committed to the obligations established by Article 78 of the Constitution.

Statements from officials came amid mass protests against the suspension of Eurointegration, as well as the results of parliamentary elections, which the opposition claims were falsified. The day before, protests in Tbilisi ended in clashes with police, who violently dispersed the demonstrators.

On Friday, five Georgian private universities: the University of Georgia, the University of Technology and Business, the Institute of Public Affairs, the University of Orbeli and the Caucasus University, announced that they were suspending operations in protest against the abandonment of Eurointegration.

In Kutaisi, parents of students from several lower grades of the first public school refused to send their children to classes in protest against the "attempts to Russify Georgia."

• On November 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of negotiations with the EU and the refusal of EU grants until 2028. He emphasized that the Georgian authorities remain committed to their goal and the country will be ready for EU membership by 2030.
• The authorities' decision sparked mass protests outside the parliament building in Tbilisi. Demonstrators attempted to erect barricades, leading to clashes with the police. To disperse the protesters, the police used water cannons and tear gas. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 43 arrests and injuries to 32 police officers.
• The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which, like Georgia, is a candidate for EU membership, condemned the actions of the Georgian authorities. The statement from the Ministry calls on them to "respect the right of Georgian citizens to peaceful protest and refrain from violence and provocations." The statement also expressed Ukraine's disappointment with the Georgian government's decision to suspend negotiations for EU membership until 2028, noting that it was made "in favor of Moscow."

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