“The imposition of sanctions during the pre-election period appears aimed solely at influencing the elections. However, I believe the response from Georgian voters will be both clear and resolute,” said Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, during a briefing.
Kobakhidze described the sanctions as both frivolous and unfortunate, emphasizing the effort made to reach out to partners despite recent tensions in Georgian-American relations, particularly due to the former US ambassador’s controversial role.
“We have made it clear that we are open to discussions on any topic, yet such measures, particularly in this pre-election context, are counterproductive. We recognize that certain American institutions feel a need for de-oligarchization. However, the only purpose these steps serve is to influence the elections. I anticipate a decisive response from Georgian voters that will render the collective National Movement a thing of the past.
“With no such manoeuvres, no one can revive that regime, which brought war, destruction, corruption, torture, and murder to our country. I urge all parties to acknowledge the weight of their responsibilities in potentially empowering such a regime,” Kobakhidze stated.
This week, the US State and Treasury Departments imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on over 60 Georgian citizens and their family members across various sectors, including sanctions against the head of the Department of Special Tasks, Zviad Kharazishvili (“Khareba”) and his deputy Miller Lagazauri, the founder of “Alt-Info” Konstantine Morgoshia, and his associate Zurab Makharadze.
