Georgian Parliament official on UK-backed opposition activists trainings in Lithuania: law enforcement, Georgian Dream stand firm with public to defend sovereignty

Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, on Monday accused the British Embassy of attempting to fund individuals connected to the opposition United National Movement party.

Speaking in response to information published by the domestic outlet Prime Time about training sessions for Georgian opposition activists abroad, Gorduladze claimed that the Embassy’s activities were “wrapped in meaningless cover” and aimed at influencing Georgia’s internal affairs.

Gorduladze’s comments came after the domestic media outlet Prime Time on Monday published exclusive information alleging that the United Kingdom was preparing Georgian opposition activists for the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for October 4. According to the outlet, the training sessions are taking place in the Baltic states, with Lithuania serving as a key host country.

“Exactly the same thing is happening now as before, when the British Embassy tried to finance two individuals from the United National Movement’s list. If we borrow the words of a former British Prime Minister, the influence of the ‘deep state’ is particularly strong in the UK. And indeed, it is the deep state that tries to train its agents in different countries, so that later they can organize unrest in Georgia. Of course, this is not surprising for the public. The most important thing is that law enforcement agencies and the ruling Georgian Dream, together with Georgian society, are firmly standing to protect the sovereignty of our country”, the official said.