London ‘ready’ to impose sanctions on Ivanishvili, opposition leader

The United Kingdom is prepared to impose personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, following recent talks between Georgian opposition leaders and British officials, Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of the United National Movement (UNM), has said.

Speaking after returning from London on Monday, Bokuchava said her delegation held “extensive meetings” with members of parliament across political parties as well as officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). She stressed that the UK played a central role in a joint statement issued by 16 European Union member states and the UK condemning developments in Georgia.

“Sanctions must be imposed on Ivanishvili. Great Britain is ready to act, and this was our main message to British political leaders,” Bokuchava told journalists.