Georgia’s position on restrictions imposed on Russia for Ukraine invasion “in full compliance” with international community - PM

The official position of the Georgian Government on the restrictive measures imposed on Russia by the international community for its invasion of Ukraine is “in full compliance” with the stance of the latter, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told PMs  on Friday.

Speaking at the Parliament following a request from MPs for a question and answer session involving the Government head, Garibashvili said the national legislation was in full compliance with international law and regulations, including the United Nations Sanctions Committee and a relevant UN Security Council resolution.

“Our legislation - for example, on money laundering, terrorism financing and promotion, control of military and dual-use products and more - ensures inability to evade sanctions,” he told lawmakers.

The Georgian Government has a “very close coordination” with its strategic partners and maintains a constant exchange of information on a daily basis, the PM stressed, reiterating the Government would “certainly not allow illegal activities of any sanctioned country,” company or individual in the territory of Georgia.

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“No facts [of evasion of international sanctions using the territory of Georgia] have been recorded so far, despite the fact that we have heard a number of completely baseless accusations, slanders - both from the [domestic] opposition and, unfortunately, from the Ukrainian Government,” Garibashvili said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the National Bank of Georgia and local financial institutions were operating in “full compliance” with the financial policies of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Any type of goods, both military and dual-use, as well as all products included in the list of international sanctions imposed on Russia, are subject to “strict customs control” in Georgia, Garibashvili explained, adding the Finance Ministry facilitating customs control and supervision in full compliance with European standards.

Re-export of sanctioned goods imported from EU countries, the US, UK and other states participating in the sanctions, or with a certificate of origin of these countries to Russia, is also subject to “special control,” the head of the Government noted, adding his Government's position was “dictated by the national interests” of the country, with the “main task” being the protection of the “interests of Georgian citizens and the state”.

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Garibashvili also highlighted Georgia had rejoined sanctions extended on Russia in 2014 in response to its illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. He also noted Georgia’s joining of the EU’s restrictive measures on Ukraine’s de facto breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on February 28.