Georgian FM: no cases found confirming Georgia’s territory was used to evade sanctions

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said on Friday that no case has been identified proving that Georgian territory was used to circumvent international sanctions, stressing that the government continues cooperation with the European Union on sanctions-related issues.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili noted Georgia remains a responsible partner in the implementation of sanctions policy and continues working with relevant EU institutions to provide any necessary information regarding the country’s position.

“We are working intensively with the European Union side when we talk about the implementation of the sanctions policy. Georgia is a bona fide partner in this regard. To date, not a single case has been found that would confirm that Georgia’s territory was used to circumvent sanctions. We have followed this policy since the day the sanctions were imposed and, of course, we will continue to do so”, she said.

The Foreign Minister further highlighted that if required, Georgia is ready to provide the European side with relevant documentation and factual information to clarify any questions regarding sanctions compliance.

“In this context, of course, we are working with the relevant EU services. If necessary, all kinds of information will be provided to the EU side so that what we are talking about is shown in documentary form, if such a need exists on the EU side”, she noted.

She also addressed the European Union’s decision to include a company in the EU’s 21st sanctions package six months before a final determination on possible sanctions, saying that the decision followed lengthy discussions within the bloc.

“It is somewhat strange to include a company on the sanctions list six months in advance, but such a decision was taken after quite difficult discussions within the European Union. The process of agreeing on this package was lengthy. The interests of a number of countries emerged so that the list of companies in various directions would not be the same as in the initial proposal, and this package underwent a whole series of changes”, she said.

Botchorishvili emphasized that Georgia would continue diplomatic engagement with the European Commission to ensure that the country’s interests are fully protected during the six-month period.

“It is difficult to protect your country’s interests when Georgia is not sitting at the negotiating table, but we continue working with the European Commission so that the six-month period ends with maximum protection of our interests”, she concluded.