Kobakhidze: Ivanishvili refused to meet with US Assistant Secretary of State

apsny.ge: Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has vehemently defended the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, amid escalating tensions with the United States over potential sanctions. Kobakhidze's comments came in response to reports that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and U.S. Sanctions Policy Coordinator Jim O'Brien is set to visit Georgia with a specific sanctions package targeting Ivanishvili.

"Bidzina Ivanishvili will not hold any meeting while being blackmailed," Kobakhidze declared. He described Ivanishvili as disinterested in the issue, deeming it "frivolous." Kobakhidze confirmed that there had been a request for a meeting between O'Brien and Ivanishvili, which the latter refused. "In the past months, there have been cases when Bidzina Ivanishvili refused to meet other foreign diplomats and politicians. In all cases, the reason for the refusal was the same – Bidzina Ivanishvili stated that he was de facto already under sanctions, with $2 billion frozen, which he entrusted to the West and, unfortunately, these amounts ended up in the hands of the global war party," the prime minister explained.

Kobakhidze emphasized that any meetings would only occur after what he described as "blackmail and de facto sanctions" ended. His remarks follow reports by several Georgian TV companies, including the pro-government Imedi and Rustavi 2, about the planned meeting between O'Brien and Ivanishvili. These reports suggested that such a meeting could lead to Ivanishvili urging his team to soften their stance on the controversial "foreign agents" law.

Jim O'Brien is scheduled to arrive in Georgia on May 13 for meetings with government officials, opposition leaders, and non-governmental organizations. This visit comes amid calls from Members of the European Parliament for sanctions against Ivanishvili.

Ivanishvili's representatives have previously stated that his assets were frozen in the Swiss bank Credit Suisse, further complicating the situation.

The potential sanctions against Ivanishvili are part of a broader international concern over Georgia's internal political developments and its alignment with Western policies. Ivanishvili, a billionaire and influential political figure, has long been a polarizing figure in Georgian politics. His close ties to Russia and significant economic influence have raised eyebrows among Western diplomats and policymakers.

The "foreign agents" law, which has sparked widespread protests in Georgia, is viewed by critics as a move to stifle dissent and limit the influence of non-governmental organizations and independent media. The law's opponents argue that it mirrors restrictive legislation in Russia, undermining Georgia's democratic aspirations and its pursuit of closer ties with the European Union and NATO.

O'Brien's visit to Georgia is seen as a critical moment for U.S.-Georgian relations. By meeting with a broad spectrum of Georgian society, O'Brien aims to address the mounting concerns over the country's political direction and reinforce the importance of democratic principles and rule of law.

The prime minister's strong stance against what he perceives as Western blackmail reflects the broader geopolitical tug-of-war in the region. Georgia, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, finds itself navigating complex relationships with both Western allies and its powerful neighbor, Russia.

As the visit unfolds, the international community will be closely watching for signs of whether Georgia will heed Western calls for democratic reforms or continue its current trajectory, potentially deepening its estrangement from key allies.

The outcome of O'Brien's meetings and the Georgian government's response to potential sanctions will have significant implications for the country's future. If the sanctions are imposed, it could further isolate Georgia from the West, while any concessions from Ivanishvili and his party could signal a shift towards greater alignment with Western democratic standards.