Georgian opposition plans US engagement despite restrictions

A member of the opposition alliance Coalition for Change, Giorgi Butikashvili, on Monday said a planned visit to the United States will take place in late April or early May, despite reported restrictions on some political figures.

He said that it was not essential who would attend in person, noting that participation could also take place remotely. According to him, the process would continue regardless of obstacles, including claims that some opposition leaders have had their passports confiscated.

Butikashvili described ongoing meetings with Western partners as “serious and important”, adding that discussions, while not always visible publicly, have been “very firm” in tone.

The opposition alliance has indicated that further engagements with US counterparts were being planned.