2021-04-01
"I would like to respond to the development of events last night. First of all, I would like to point out that Vladimir Pozner, who is a US citizen as well, did not violate the Law of Georgia on Occupation. He often visits our country with his US passport. This was his yet another private visit" stated Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Executive Government Meeting today.
According to Irakli Garibashvili, the visitor and his entourage had COVID passports and negative PCR tests results, as required by the Government Decree. Therefore, they entered the country in full compliance with the law.
"As for the gathering of guests at one of the establishments in Tbilisi without considering the COVID regulations, it is unacceptable to all of us, of course. It is a breach and the relevant agencies had an immediate response on the matter. In particular, both the establishment and each individual were penalized.
As you may be aware, a group of citizens in our country decided to protest and the most destructive force - the United National Movement - benefited by framing the events within their agenda as usual.
This time as well, the United National Movement and Saakashvili in particular were aiming at the destruction, sabotage and maximum damage to our country, of course. Their intention was to cause great harm to the international image of our country. This time as well, they did it when our country is partially opening-up for tourism and you know how important the tourists are for us, especially in the given situation. It is particularly true when the inflow of tourists is vital for the tourism sector and the economy at large, as well as for our population, our people.
Of course, this form of protest demonstrated by the leaders of the UNM and their groups was completely inadmissible, which clearly goes beyond civilized norms and Georgian standards. We got once again convinced that the UNM has formed into an absolutely degraded and radical group with which a civilized dialogue is simply impossible.
As for the state agencies, they acted in full compliance with the law" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Press Service of the Government Administration