FM Zalkaliani: Gov’t restraint on joining Russia sanctions result of “careful” approach

The Georgian government’s restraint on joining international sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine are a result of a “careful” approach by the ruling party, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said on Monday.

Commenting on the government’s decision not to join the sanctions - which has drawn criticism from the local political opposition and a part of the public - Zalkaliani said Georgia was not shying away from “very clear” measures, however the officials considered sanctions individually. The Minister added “when the Prime Minister shows such caution, it comes from his very great responsibility.”

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PM Garibashvili recently explained the stance on the sanctions by explaining the government wanted to avoid causing economic harm to Georgian citizens by joining the measures against Russia.

Zalkaliani also highlighted the presence of Russian troops in Georgia’s regions occupied since the 2008 war between the countries, as a factor in the government’s attempt to “be careful in the process” of considering measures against Russia. “It will take [hostile forces only] a few minutes to turn the whole of Georgia upside down,” the head of the foreign office added.

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I do not want to see the same in Georgia as in 2008. I do not want to see Russian tanks [moving] in the direction of [...] Tbilisi, I do not want to see the bombing of the capital and airports,” the Minister explained.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also pointed out Georgia’s joining of sanctions against Russia in 2014, stemming from the latter’s annexation of Crimea, adding “these sanctions continue every year."