PM defends Bidzina Ivanishvili’s stance over meeting with US Ambassador, calls for respect of official protocol

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said the position of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, over the meeting with the US Ambassador was absolutely logical, emphasising that decisions concerning state interests couldn’t be made under the pressure of personal blackmail and everyone must respect official protocol.

In response to the journalist's question regarding the statement released by the United States Embassy about the meeting between Ivanishvili and Ambassador Dunnigan, Kobakhidze emphasised that Ivanishvili’s position was also known to the American side.

“Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili himself explained his position, which is absolutely logical. Naturally, under the pressure of personal blackmail, it would not have been appropriate or expedient for him to hold such a meeting. Decisions related to state interests cannot be made under the influence of personal blackmail. Therefore, this position is logical and was also known to the American side. We were very surprised when they released a letter on this matter. Once the personal blackmail that began with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine ends, the situation in this regard will immediately change”, Kobakhidze said.

“Furthermore, we can once again emphasize that there are official structures and officials ready to hold consultations with the American side in any format. There are no obstacles in this regard; everyone must respect official protocol, and based on that, relations between Georgia and the US should be conducted”, he concluded.