Irakli Kirtskhalia: No sanctions package will make us change the course mandated by Georgian society

No sanctions package will force the Georgian government to deviate from the course it is pursuing on the mandate of society, Irakli Kirtskhalia, Chairman of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction, said in response to ALDE’s appeal to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos regarding possible sanctions against specific individuals in Georgia.

Kirtskhalia said the government had no intention of abandoning the political course entrusted to it by the Georgian people.

“Unfortunately, this is the same force within the European Union and its ruling elite that told us throwing Molotov cocktails was a principle of democracy and an expression of freedom. When we are dealing with this political elite in the EU, statements of this kind should come as no surprise.

“They seem to forget that for years our country has been subjected to direct and unjust attacks from their side. Calling Georgia a victim would perhaps be too strong — God forbid that we portray our country as a victim of their attacks.

“We, particularly the governing team, have little interest in these inept and entirely baseless sanctions packages, whether they emerge year after year or month after month. They know this very well: no sanctions package will make us deviate from the course we are pursuing on the mandate of our society.

“Our team, Georgian Dream, continues to have that mandate today, and they should understand this clearly. That mandate is for the peaceful development of our country, progress and prosperity for every one of our citizens and, most importantly, the peaceful reunification of our country,” Kirtskhalia said.