Vice Parliament Speaker slams ex-PM’s comments on sending security chief to US as “nonsense”

Vice Parliament Speaker Gia Volski, representing the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday criticized former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s recent comments accusing Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chair of GD, of sending State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili to the US as a “messenger or postman” to gather insights into potential US actions against him and other party officials.

Gakharia claimed this “wrong move” followed recent US sanctions on unspecified Georgian officials over a controversial foreign influence transparency law, alleging it demonstrated Ivanishvili’s fears.

In response, Volski dismissed these claims as “nonsense and illogical.” When asked about the lack of prior public disclosure regarding Liluashvili’s visit, Volski cited security concerns in today’s global climate and the nature of such sensitive operations.

Regarding speculations about Liluashvili bringing back information related to sanctioned individuals, Volski emphasized that the visit was not politically motivated but rather focused on broader security matters and cooperation with international partners.

Highlighting the ongoing collaboration between defense and security agencies, Volski stressed shared interests in counterterrorism and addressing common threats, asserting that Liluashvili’s activities abroad were in line with his official duties.