Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, in an interview with TV channel Imedi spoke about the draft law on ‘agents of foreign influence’ and the events that took place in the country on March 7-8.
Garibashvili noted that his team had decided to pass the draft law with the first hearing and send it immediately to the Venice Commission.
“If it had been heard by sensible and responsible people, who care for the future of our country, they would have understood it well, of course. Yet there were those who do not want to understand and such were part of the people, who were politically agitated, and those who simply – to put it mildly – got confused in the given circumstances.
“After forwarding the draft law to the Venice Commission, we would have had 3-4 months to continue with public discussions. Irrespective of this intention, one good thing has happened- I noted in the beginning when the strength of the country and wisdom of its authorities was demonstrated with a decision to withdraw the draft law. In the given circumstances, it was the most prudent and wise decision in the context of statehood, as we on the one hand demonstrated that nobody will ever be given a chance to destabilize, create chaos, and disorder, launch a second frontline or other atrocities. We said that we were aware of their very offensive plans,” stated Garibashvili.
The PM claimed that the opposition’s aim was to keep the country in chaos and permanent destabilization and disorder, adding they might have killed several young people themselves.
“However, we said that with this step we cared for the most valuable asset of our country – stability, and peace of our country and rejected war! We refused the War Policy, which was their key goal in holding these rallies. I am referring to a destructive, extremist – I would say that they are no longer a destructive force only, as this is now an extremist organization as well – collectively known as the UNM,” pointed out Garibashvili.
