Georgia: Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday stated the nation was part of “all international decisions on the sanctions” imposed by the international community on Russia due to its aggression over Ukraine and adhered to the agreements with international allies of Georgia.
The Economy Minister said the Administration held a “most transparent stance” with regard to the conflict in “all international formats”, denouncing the aggression of Russia and being a “strongest” supporter of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“Georgia clearly adheres to the agreements we have with our international allies. Georgia has had the clearest position in this matter. Georgia is the strongest supporter of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. I declare this with full responsibility,” the Minister said.
Moreover, Davitashvili also addressed individual economic sanctions that Georgia did not impose unilaterally, pointing out that many other countries, including NATO members, did not do so either.
“The Government of Georgia has a base for these decisions. This is because of many factors, and we all understand these factors well – such sanctions from Georgia to the Russian economy can be ineffective but quite detrimental to the citizens of our country,” he noted.
The claims which were made by some of the authorities of Ukraine on Georgia were “irresponsible and immoral,” according to Georgian Officials. In addition, Ukrainian authorities also claimed that Georgia used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.
“These reports harm Georgia’s interests and relations with our international allies. Our partners are fully informed that there is no basis for this. The Finance Ministry has improved its monitoring mechanisms, and we share details in all formats with our associates. It is unfortunate that this topic is being reckoned on,” he said.
Following claims made by Ukrainian intelligence about alleged talks between Russia and Georgia over the re-export of Russian goods to third countries, Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said his administration “would like to ask” Ukrainian authorities to take a “responsible approach” to the nations’ relations.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine in February, several Ukrainian authorities and officials have made similar assertions about Georgia being used to dodging international sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.