Georgian PM: US sanctions on Georgian officials “frivolous”, “insulting” to country, its people

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said sanctions imposed by the United States Government on Georgian officials last week following adoption of a controversial domestic law on transparency of foreign influence by the country’s Parliament were “frivolous” and “insulting” to the country and its people.

He also called for “pragmatic steps” and “fair treatment towards the Georgian people”, adding the travel restrictions “do not correspond to the spirit of partnership” and saying he hoped “eventually everything will be revised”.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the “need for deeper relations” with the US and the European Union, urging “corresponding steps” from both partners.

This would be the right attitude towards the Georgian people and the state”, he said.

Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said the sanctions were imposed against select members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, MPs, law enforcement employees and private citizens.

The statement said the adoption of the law - which requires registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad -  had “negatively impacted” Georgia’s progress in EU integration.