Georgia's Political Crisis Deepens Over EU Accession

Key Developments:

• Georgian Dream party announced halting EU accession talks for 4 years
• Large anti-government protests erupted in Tbilisi and other cities
• Police used water cannon and tear gas against protesters
• Prime Minister Kobakhidze defended police actions and claimed foreign interference

International Response:

• US suspended strategic partnership with Georgia
• EU expressed solidarity with protesters
• Russia's Medvedev compared situation to Ukraine

Domestic Tensions:

• President Zourabichvili refuses to step down
• Government nominated hardline anti-Western candidate for presidency
• Recent controversial laws include:
  • 'Foreign agents' registration requirement
  • LGBT rights restrictions

The crisis highlights Georgia's increasing shift away from Western alignment and potential move towards Russia's sphere of influence, causing concern among Western allies and domestic opposition.