Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has opened up about his refusal to meet with diplomats, asserting that such encounters would ultimately be counterproductive. In an exclusive interview with TV company Imedi, he stated, “I have explained several times that I am not against meetings; how could I possibly think that? However, meeting with me would have no value and would ultimately be counterproductive because I cannot participate in any decision-making.”
Ivanishvili elaborated on his reasoning, emphasizing that his involvement would not serve the interests of Georgia, Europe, or the United States.
“I told the American ambassador and documented my concerns. I have records showing that my participation would only be counterproductive for this reason. I wanted to direct the funds I have access to for charitable purposes, but I can transfer them to other foundations if needed. The fact that these funds are now improperly blocked presents a significant problem for me, and I cannot agree to participate in political decisions due to the complex that it concerns my country,” he said.
He continued, “I could never ask my colleagues to take a stand or move forward while knowing I had a meeting where I discussed plans that I could not disclose. This was the reason, and I communicated it clearly.”
“I have always had the complex of ensuring that my decisions do not harm the country for the sake of personal interests. I apologize if it seemed like arrogance; I wanted to make it clear that it would be counterproductive. Thus, I refuse to participate in these meetings, and that was the reason,” Ivanishvili concluded.
