Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has sharply criticized the recent sanctions imposed by the United States, calling them an insult to the Georgian state. On Wednesday, Kobakhidze expressed deep concern over the sanctions, including high-ranking officials.
“These sanctions are a profound insult to our country. It is completely unacceptable for us that individuals who defended Georgia during the war are being targeted,” said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that such actions are incompatible with the relationship expected from a strategic partner like the US.
Kobakhidze warned that these steps could deteriorate Georgian-American relations, which have already faced challenges in recent years.
“Decisions like this do not help reset relations. We have had difficulties over the past four years, largely due to the actions of the previous US ambassador. Now, it is crucial to take a fair and balanced approach, but these sanctions are pushing us in the opposite direction,” he stressed.
The PM also expressed his concern to US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan, and while he thanked her for her constructive attitude, he suggested that the overall direction of US policy toward Georgia is troubling.
“If there is another step in this direction, we may have to reconsider certain positions. We call on all parties to act rationally and justly, as this would benefit Georgian-American relations,” Kobakhidze stated.
Despite his concerns, the Prime Minister expressed hope that this latest action would be the last in what he described as a series of damaging decisions and urged for a more balanced approach in the future.
The US Treasury Department’s sanctions targeted four Georgian individuals for serious human rights violations, including Zviad Kharazishvili, the Head of the Department of Special Tasks, and his deputy Miler Lagazauri, as well as Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze from the pro-Russian Alt Info group, associated with extremist activities.
Additionally, the US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on over 60 Georgians involved in “undermining democracy”.
