US sanctions coordinator set to deliver package of sanctions to Ivanishvili – media

Three Georgian broadcasters, Imedi, Rustavi 2, and Public Broadcasting on Monday reported that US State Department sanctions coordinator James O’Brien was set to deliver a package of sanctions to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairperson of Georgian Dream in Tbilisi, today. 

While the specific sourcing behind these reports remained undisclosed, all three channels aired comments from Irakli Kadagishvili, an MP of the parliamentary majority, purportedly addressing the circulating information.

Kadagishvili neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stating, “talking sanctions with Bidzina Ivanishvili is hardly effective. He’s effectively been under informal sanctions for two years, yet has consistently upheld the country’s interests,” according to his remarks.

O’Brien’s visit to Georgia coincides with parliamentary discussions on the controversial foreign transparency bill. Scheduled for May 13, O’Brien’s itinerary includes meetings with government officials, opposition figures, and representatives from non-governmental organizations. A media briefing is expected following these engagements.

Earlier on Monday Ivanishvili called on the party to “soften” the current version of a controversial bill amid mass demonstrations and international criticism, according to Imedi TV.