EU Integration Committee Chair: No mechanism can force Ivanishvili to alter Georgia’s peace policy

“There is no mechanism that could force Bidzina Ivanishvili (Georgian Dream party founder) to change the country’s peace policy or enter into any type of escalation,” stated Levan Makhashvili, Parliament’s Committee on European Integration Chair.

Makhashvili’s comments came in response to a statement made yesterday by the Georgian Dream Political Council regarding an initiative submitted by fourteen MPs in the British House of Commons concerning sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.

According to Makhashvili, certain global forces are attempting to alter Georgia’s policy through pressure and influence on various high-ranking officials.

“The attempt by certain British parliamentarians highlights this issue perfectly,” he said. “However, Bidzina Ivanishvili has repeatedly asserted that there is no leverage or instrument of pressure that could compel him to change his stance or lead Georgia into war or instability through force or any other means. He has stated this very clearly.”

Makhashvili emphasized that they are convinced Ivanishvili “was, is, and will remain one of the guarantors of peace in Georgia.”

He noted that attempts to exert pressure will persist—yesterday it might have been Great Britain, tomorrow it could be another state.

“Various forces, individuals, politicians, and institutions will continue to pressure him to change his position. However, both Bidzina Ivanishvili’s and our stance is clear: no mechanism could force him to modify the country’s peace policy or engage in any form of escalation or tension.”

He further criticized the lack of accountability in the sanctions policies, stating, “There has not been a single instance where a sanction policy was supported by specific evidence. The same situation persists now. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where assertions are made without backing them with evidence. Words have lost their weight and have devolved into propaganda and information warfare.”

Makhashvili concluded by expressing scepticism about the prospects for substantiation from any external parties.

“We do not expect any type of evidence to be presented, as has been the case previously. We have repeatedly demanded specific evidence, even the right to a fair trial for the individuals concerned, but there has been no response. We do not expect this time to be different, especially regarding Britain’s position, which is unlikely to be strengthened by concrete evidence,” the EU Integration Committee Chair concluded.