PM Kobakhidze: 'Deep state' gives special attention to anti-Russian campaign, so will we

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the government should give "special attention" to what he described as a new anti-Russian campaign in Georgia, arguing that the so-called "deep state" is also focusing heavily on the issue.

Responding to a question from a TV Pirveli journalist about whether Russophobia represented a major challenge in Georgian society and whether the issue warranted such a high level of government attention, Kobakhidze said it deserved "special attention".

"Since we see that the 'deep state' is giving special attention to this anti-Russian campaign, we too must give special attention to it and provide the public with full information on this issue," Kobakhidze said.

He alleged that the campaign involved opposition politicians, political activists, non-governmental organisations and media outlets, describing it as a coordinated effort directed from outside Georgia.

Kobakhidze said the alleged campaign was aimed at artificially increasing anti-Russian sentiment and could ultimately damage economic ties between Georgia and Russia. In recent remarks, he has also warned that efforts to discourage Russian tourists could lead to Moscow cutting economic ties with Georgia.