Deputy Justice Minister: Washington arbitration affirms Georgian Government’s Anaklia Port support

Beka Dzamashvili, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Georgia, on Thursday commented on the ruling issued by the Washington-based arbitration tribunal regarding the Anaklia port case, which fully upheld the claims made by the Georgian Government.

Dzamashvili highlighted the significant political debate that surrounded the Anaklia Port project, noting accusations that the project's failure was due to the Government's fault and alleged obstruction of Western investments.

He pointed out that the Paris Arbitration Tribunal had already addressed these accusations a year ago.

“Today, we have the decision from the Washington Arbitration, which very clearly states that the project had full support from the Government. Investors were given the opportunity to postpone the fulfillment of their obligations multiple times, but they were unable to implement the project solely due to their own fault”, the Deputy Minister of Justice said.

Dzamashvili further emphasised that the ruling addressed an issue frequently raised by Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze - the criminal proceedings initiated against them, adding that the Washington tribunal had given a very clear answer on this matter - “in a democratic state, no one should expect to be shielded from prosecution simply because they are connected to a particular project or political figure”.

The official further highlighted that the ruling had been unanimous, with all three arbitrators - including the one appointed by the claimants - agreeing that responsibility for the project’s failure lay entirely with the investors.

“Speculations about interference with American or Western investment should now come to an end, as we have a final ruling from the Washington arbitration tribunal”, Dzamashvili concluded.