“This is called demarche”, diplomat warns of consequences if “Ivanishvili’s Government” stays

Diplomat Gigi Kublashvili on Wednesday emphasized the severity of the situation regarding “Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government”, in reference to the ruling Georgian Dream party and its honorary chair, claiming, “this is called demarche in diplomatic language”, as the US has withdrawn the invitation for Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to the President Joe Biden-hosted event on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York.

He warned that failing to remove the government by October 26 could lead to “dire consequences” for Georgia, potentially resembling the hardships of the 1990s.

Kublashvili noted that the current political climate has resulted in a lack of recognition for the de facto leader of the country, stating that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was forced to curtail his visit and leave early due to diplomatic tensions. He added that if Ivanishvili, as a “shadow ruler”, remained in power, Georgia would become “tied to the swamp called Russia.”

Tbilisi Mayor and the ruling party Secretary General Kakha Kaladze explained that Washington’s move had come “as the current Government protects the interests of its people”.

He claimed “this policy and attitude will continue in the future. We cannot be intimidated by any threat.”