MP Archil Gorduladze: Lifting of EU sanctions on Russian tycoons proves accusations against Georgia are purely political

“The European Union’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian businessmen while simultaneously levelling allegations of sanctions evasion against Georgia demonstrates that political motives drive such claims,” stated Archil Gorduladze, an MP from the parliamentary majority.

Gorduladze argued that the ongoing political rhetoric directed at Georgia is calculated to damage the country’s international standing.

“On the one hand, we hear claims that sanctioned goods are entering Georgia, which is a complete falsehood. We regularly receive commendations for our sanction’s enforcement from relevant envoys of both the European Union and the United States. On the other hand, sanctions on Russian oligarchs are being lifted. This is yet another example of a flawed and double standard,” Gorduladze stated.

“This confirms once again that accusations targeting Georgia are motivated solely by political expediency, aimed quite simply at damaging Georgia’s global reputation. Various officials, both elected and non-elected, have repeatedly been exposed for spreading such falsehoods,” Gorduladze added.

The European Union recently removed Russian tycoons Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.