PM Kobakhidze warns opposition may resort to provocations

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the opposition in the country was “absolutely desperate” and “weakened”, warning that in such a state it might contemplate “any type of provocation.”

He made the remarks while responding to questions about the ongoing investigation into explosives seized in Georgia that reportedly came from Ukraine.

Kobakhidze said the incident - in which suspects have implicated Ukrainian security services in handing over the explosives - was “very serious” and must be fully investigated by the country’s State Security Service. He urged all relevant agencies to treat the case with heightened attention.

Asked whether the explosives case could be linked to domestic political tensions and planned disruptive actions, Kobakhidze said security services should probe any possible connections.

“You see that the opposition is absolutely desperate and weakened, and at times like this they may begin to think about any kind of provocation. Therefore, heightened attention is required from all agencies, including the State Security Service, which I am confident will follow this matter through to the end,” he said.

Kobakhidze stressed that every such incident must be thoroughly investigated to identify who seeks to inflame unrest and harm the country, and warned that the Government would respond firmly.