Georgian PM defends Ivanishvili’s stance on Russia-Georgia War, blames previous administration for 2008 conflict

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday defended Bidzina Ivanishvili’s recent remarks about the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, criticizing “opposition hysteria” over the ruling party Honorary Chair’s call for reconciliation with Russian-controlled Tskhinvali’s residents.

Ivanishvili had accused the former United National Movement (UNM) government of provoking the war, suggesting that justice and apology were needed for the conflict’s impact on Ossetian communities.

At a press briefing, Kobakhidze argued that Ivanishvili’s comments reflected the ruling party’s “consistent stance”, asserting that “mutual repentance” was “essential for reconciliation”.

Kobakhidze reiterated that the previous government, led by Mikheil Saakashvili, initiated the hostilities, which he stressed was “supported by various reports and confessions”.