Opposition leader: Georgia Excluded from regional peace alliance due to Ivanishvili

Khatia Dekanoidze, a leader of the opposition United National Movement, on Monday said that Georgia was the only country in the region not participating in a peace and prosperity alliance because of former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Dekanoidze criticized what she described as oligarchic, kleptocratic, and pro-Russian governance, saying it has already cost the country heavily and will continue to do so.

"In Ivanishvili’s captured country, there are black holes, such as the offshore law from which he allegedly embezzled $400 million, and there are serious money laundering risks. This is why Georgia is the only country in the region not participating in the peace and prosperity alliance and is instead in a war mode. The oligarchic, kleptocratic, and Russian-aligned governance has cost the country dearly and will continue to do so," Dekanoidze said.