Bidzina Ivanishvili: We Will Certainly Find the Strength to Apologise to the Ossetians
“Today, we are well aware that the war of August 2008 was not the desire of either the Georgian or Ossetian people. Therefore, when we identify those responsible for the bloody conflict between brothers and hold them legally accountable for this heinous crime, the restoration of relations will inevitably be on the agenda,” said Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chairman of “Georgian Dream,” during a regional event for the “Georgian Dream” election campaign in Gori.
Ivanishvili firmly believes that acknowledging mistakes and remembering the long-standing brotherhood and friendship between Georgians and Ossetians will be the starting point for rebuilding trust between those on both sides of the dividing line.
Ivanishvili stated that the previous government of Georgia provoked the 2008 war, “under orders from abroad.” For months, however, Ivanishvili has not mentioned Russia’s involvement in the conflict.
Families of soldiers who died in the war reacted critically to Ivanishvili’s remarks.
Maka Chikviladze, the wife of Georgian national hero Giorgi Antsukhelidze, posted a photo of her husband — tortured by the occupants — on her personal Facebook page, with the caption: “August 9, 2008… the boot of the Ossetian brothers on Giorgi’s back.” She also added the hashtag: “Sorry Giorgi.”
“So what happened? Did my husband sacrifice his life for the country’s freedom? Are we now considered an aggressor nation? Did he fight in the war as an aggressor? Who should my children apologise to — Russians, Ossetians? Who will explain this to the government?” wrote Theo Tsilosani, the wife of Emzar Tsilosani, a hero of the 2008 Battle of Shindisi, on Facebook.
According to the weekly program “Droeba” on “Formula” TV, after the summoning of the U.S. ambassador by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the open threat voiced toward Washington, Bidzina Ivanishvili personally received a message from the USA that the United States would cease communication with Kobakhidze and his administration.
Formula TV: Ivanishvili decided to recall the ambassador of Georgia to the USA
The report also suggests that, during his speech at the annual assembly of the United Nations, Irakli Kobakhidze discussed Tbilisi’s so-called readiness to sign the Non-Attack Agreement. This is reportedly the exact demand that representatives of the Russian Federation and both separatist regimes have been insisting on at the Geneva talks.
A few days ago, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s press service, it was noted that Kobakhidze expressed concern over the recent decision by the U.S. State Department, which includes sanctions and visa restrictions on Georgian citizens, including police officers.
According to Kobakhidze’s administration, during the meeting with Ambassador Dunnigan, he remarked that the decision by the U.S. State Department appears aimed at improving the opposition’s chances in the upcoming elections. However, in their own assessment, it is “entirely counterproductive, as it will neither benefit the opposition’s election results nor intimidate the ruling team.”
The U.S. Treasury Department Sanctioned Georgian Officials and Pro-Russian Party Leaders
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on the head of the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Zviad Kharazishvili (also known as “Khareba”), his deputy Mileri Lagazauri, as well as the leaders of the pro-Russian party “Alt-Info,” Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze.
“As a result of today’s decision, all property and interests in property of the aforementioned individuals that are located in the United States or owned or controlled by U.S. persons have been frozen and reported to OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury). Additionally, any entities in which one or more of the sanctioned individuals hold 50% or more ownership, either directly or indirectly, are also blocked,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department will impose visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgian individuals and their family members who are deemed responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Georgia.
“Visa restrictions are also imposed, and some are included on the Magnitsky list. I won’t say it’s comfortable or not problematic—it is—but it helps us prepare. We also have our own lists. Without accounts, there will be no movement in companies, and the problem will escalate on its own. This was always anticipated,” commented a leader of “Alt-Info.”
Meanwhile, Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the parliamentary majority, stated that the sanctions damage the reputation of the U.S. in Georgia.