Ivanishvili declined to meet US’ O’Brien due to “de facto sanctions” – PM


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Front News Georgia
The founder and Honorary Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has declined a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien, currently visiting Tbilisi, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in a special briefing on Monday amid mass protests against the GD proposed foreign transparency bill.
“Ivanishvili declined the request for a meeting with Mr. O’Brien. This decision follows a pattern over recent months where Ivanishvili has opted not to meet with various foreign diplomats and politicians,” Kobakhidze claimed.
Explaining the consistent refusal, Kobakhidze cited Ivanishvili’s stance that he perceived himself to be under de facto sanctions. He noted Ivanishvili alleged that $2 billion, which he had entrusted to Western entities, had been seized by the “Global War Party”. Consequently, Ivanishvili asserted he could not engage in meetings under such circumstances.
Despite these diplomatic tensions, Kobakhidze also confirmed that the GD intended to proceed with adopting the controversial bill in its third and final reading on Tuesday.
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