Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia “not a country” where Russia will be able to bypass sanctions

Papuashvili also said the previous “misunderstandings” between Georgian and Ukrainian politicians had been resolved, adding the two sides had agreed to verify reports and information with each other on “all issues” due to the “high risks of misinformation”.Photo: Parliament of Georgia.

Agenda.ge, 18 Apr 2022 - 12:03, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgia will not be a country where Russia will be able to bypass international sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated on Sunday, following his visit to Ukraine and meeting with the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Chair Ruslan Stefanchuk. 

Papuashvili acknowledges it was “important” for Ukraine that Georgia is not used “in any way” to circumvent sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia, and added his Government’s stance on supporting the country under the invasion was “clear, unambiguous and understandable among [Ukraine's Government].”

“As for international financial regulations, the Georgian financial sector is part of the international sector - therefore, we are automatically part of the restrictions [on dealing with Russia] that exist in the international financial sector,” Papuashvili said.

“In addition, both the Georgian Government and I personally have publicly stated that Georgia will not be a country where Russia will be able to circumvent various sanctions, and this is important," the Parliament Speaker told Georgian media outlets.

Papuashvili also said the previous “misunderstandings” between Georgian and Ukrainian politicians had been resolved, adding the two sides had agreed to verify reports and information with each other on “all issues” due to the “high risks of misinformation”.

Papuashvili and a Parliamentary delegation of Georgia met with Ukrainian officials and denounced Russia’s military aggression against the country during their official visit to the country on Saturday.

The Georgian delegation also proceeded to visit the cities of Bucha and Irpin, where numerous civilians were killed by Russian troops. Papuashvili condemned the committed atrocities, called on Russia to end the violence, and highlighted “there is no alternative to peace.