US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James C. O’Brien, is currently visiting Georgia. During his visit, O’Brien is expected to meet with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Additionally, he will hold discussions with opposition parties and representatives from the non-governmental sector. Following these meetings, O’Brien plans to address questions from the media.
There was an attempt to arrange a meeting between O’Brien and Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” but Ivanishvili declined the request. Prime Minister Kobakhidze provided details on this refusal, stating that Ivanishvili has consistently refused meetings with foreign diplomats and politicians in recent months. Ivanishvili has cited his position of being under “de facto sanctions” and claimed that $2 billion of his assets have been frozen for his economical ties with Russia.
Ivanishvili’s refusal to meet with O’Brien, as well as other diplomats, is rooted in his stance against what he perceives as blackmail due to these sanctions. Kobakhidze reiterated that Ivanishvili is open to meetings once these conditions are lifted.
Despite these tensions, Kobakhidze announced that “Georgian Dream” intends to pass the controversial “Foreign agent” bill which imposes restrictions on media and non-governmental organizations, in its third reading on May 14.
