According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the imposition of new sanctions by the United States is "both a frivolous and very sad event." He stated that this decision was made by "certain forces" with informal influence over the Biden administration.
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"We reached out to our partners, despite many issues that have arisen in Georgian-American relations over the past four years. You know that the former American ambassador, Kelly Degnan, played a significant role in this. It's clear what kind of role we are referring to. Despite this, we took steps on our side. We expressed our openness to discuss any topic. In such circumstances, actions like these are counterproductive," Kobakhidze said during today’s briefing.
He accused the U.S. government of attempting to interfere in the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26, and noted that he would check to what extent the issue of sanctions would be reflected in the observers' reports.
"We understand that it is a pre-election period. We also understand that there are some problems - American institutions need to be de-oligarchized. In such conditions, we see these kinds of actions. During the pre-election period, the only possible aim of such steps could be to influence the elections. However, I believe the Georgian voters’ response will be very clear and sharp. This response will be to consign the collective National Movement to the past. No one can bring the collective National Movement back to power through such actions, nor bring back the regime that led to war, destruction, business racketeering, and the torture of people in our country. I advise everyone to take responsibility for bringing such a regime to power at the appropriate time," said Kobakhidze.
Additionally, Kobakhidze stated that the sanctioned individuals, Zviad Kharazishvili and Mileri Lagazauri, prevented a revolution in the country.
"I want to emphasize the sanctions against police officers. I remind you that these are the officers who twice since 2020 have prevented a revolution in our country, and now they are being sanctioned.
At this time, if the public starts wondering whether someone wants to attempt a third revolution and weaken the police (which they do not deserve, but this sentiment arises), this does not positively affect public attitudes towards specific institutions. This is not a healthy attitude. In the future, we expect a more appropriate and respectful approach toward state institutions and the Georgian state as a whole," said the Prime Minister.
On September 16, the U.S. The Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions on Zviad Kharazishvili, aka Khareba, and one of his deputies, Mileri Lagazauri, the director of the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. The sanctions were based on their involvement in serious human rights violations during the violent suppression of peaceful protests against Russian law.
In addition, the State Department has imposed visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgian citizens and their family members for their role in undermining democracy in Georgia. The names of those sanctioned have not been disclosed, but according to the department, they include high-ranking officials from the government and municipal levels, business leaders, individuals who spread misinformation, and those who promote violent extremism, as well as representatives of law enforcement agencies.
