PM: Gov’t not imposing sanctions on Russia but “ensuring” Georgia not being used to circumvent them

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said his Government was not imposing sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but ensuring the international restrictions placed on the country were not circumvented through the Georgian territory.

The PM made the remark in response to a question at a press briefing earlier today that claimed contracts with sanctioned companies were being “constantly signed” by Georgian Railway.

In his reply, Kobakhidze said his office had a “clear policy” regarding the international sanctions.

A mission representing the European Union, Great Britain and the United States arrived in Georgia and confirmed that the territory of Georgia is not used to circumvent sanctions. Everything else is a lie”, he said in reference to the visit of sanctions officials in June 2023.

• EU, UK, US sanctions officials highlight Georgian Gov’t’s “great job” in preventing circumvention of Russian sanctions in Tbilisi visit

Kobakhidze also said cooperation with companies sanctioned as part of the restrictions was “not allowed” as part of the Government’s policy.