You remember that the so-called visa restrictions were imposed on four judges and this was an absolutely not serious move. Accordingly, it had zero effect, of course, it was only counterproductive. [Reputationally] Of course, it was damaging for the US, not for us, only for the US, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters when he answered a question, “If sanctions are imposed on you, what will happen.”
In response to this question, the Prime Minister named 4 judges sanctioned by the USA: Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia and Valerian Tsertsvadze. He claimed that visa restrictions were imposed on all four of them without evidence.
“Of course, when judges are sanctioned without evidence, it only damages the image of the sanctioner”, Kobakhidze said.
He further answered a question of how he imagines European integration when he criticizes the ambassadors of European states.
“Specific entities make anti-Georgian statements and take anti-Georgian steps, sanctioning Georgian judges without evidence was also an anti-Georgian step. When anti-Georgian steps are taken, when anti-Georgian statements are made, of course, it is our obligation to the Georgian state and Georgian society to have a proper and adequate response. Of course, all this cannot be considered an anti-European or anti-American move. When anti-Georgian steps are taken and anti-Georgian statements are made, it is simply our obligation to react to it and nothing more,” said Kobakhidze.
Related story: PM: Reports that GD members received an e-mail about visa restrictions a lie
