Georgian Parliament official: sanctions against Ivanishvili failed, only reinforced his commitment to Georgia

Rati Ionatamishvili, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration, said on Friday that international pressure and sanctions had failed to achieve their intended objectives and had instead underscored Bidzina Ivanishvili’s commitment to Georgia.

“With these unjust sanctions and pressure, they have achieved nothing. On the contrary, the campaigns planned and carried out against him have only further demonstrated how deeply he loves his homeland”, Ionatamishvili said.

The Committee Chair also criticised the domestic opposition, describing it as a “proxy opposition” dependent on foreign influence.

“The agent-led opposition, which continues to rely on external forces, will remain in a hopeless situation for a very long time”, he added.

Ionatamishvili further praised Ivanishvili’s role in the country, stating that he was “a guarantor not only of Georgia’s security but also of its prosperity”.

“Just imagine the kind of forces that are fighting against him through these unjust sanctions”, he concluded.