Parliament Vice Speaker: Georgia “has not been and will not be” place to circumvent sanctions against Russia

Archil Talakvadze, the Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker, on Monday said Georgia “had not been and would not be” used to circumvent the international sanctions imposed against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

In his remarks over the visit of the European Union Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan to the country, Talakvadze alleged the domestic “radical” opposition would “attempt to brand” the EU official’s visit as a “scandal” for the country.

Georgia is adhering to international rules and established conditions. Georgia has not been and will not be a place to circumvent sanctions. Those who are interested in this issue will certainly receive facts and specific information from our Government that these rules are respected in Georgia”, Talakvadze said.

“The radical opposition will attempt to brand this visit as a scoop and a scandal, but this is a practical visit, and the [Georgian] authorities will have practical answers [to the official’s questions]”, he added.

The Parliament Vice Speaker also said the Government had ”answers to all questions related to international issues, sanctions and security”, and added visits like O’Sullivan’s trip were “held periodically so that information [on sanctions’ enforcement] is fully shared”.