PM Kobakhidze says attempts by foreign intelligence services and ‘destructive forces’ to destabilise Georgia were prevented

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that attempts by foreign intelligence services and “destructive forces” to destabilise the country and violently change the Government have been “successfully thwarted”.

Speaking at an event marking the 11th anniversary of the State Security Service, Kobakhidze said the agency has played a key role in protecting Georgia’s constitutional order, state sovereignty and the security of its citizens since its establishment.

The Prime Minister stressed that peace and stability remain the main foundations of the country’s democratic and economic development, adding that these achievements are underpinned by the daily work of State Security Service personnel.

Paying tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, Kobakhidze said protecting national security involves “high risks”.

Referring to the current international environment, Kobakhidze said Georgia continues to face “serious” security challenges.

“Against the backdrop of today’s complex geopolitical situation and serious security challenges in our region, attempts by foreign intelligence services and destructive forces to destabilise the country and violently change the Government have been successfully prevented. However, these threats have not disappeared,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the occupation of Georgian territories remains one of the country’s most significant security challenges.

According to Kobakhidze, the Government’s top priority is to respond promptly to destabilising activities along the occupation line and to protect the fundamental rights of citizens living in the occupied territories.