Minister of Economy of Georgia responds to allegations of gov’t buying oil from sanctioned Russian companies
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
The Minister of Economy and Sustainable development of Georgia Levan Davitashvili responded to the United National Movement’s Levan Khabeishvili’s accusations of the government buying oil from the Internationally sanctioned Russian oil companies. Minister denied allegations, saying that the government is fully respecting international sanctions imposed on Russia.
Levan Davitashvili responded to the request of Levan Khabeishvili, one of the leaders of The United National Movement, who requested the oil companies such as “Wissol Group”, “Aragvi Impex” and “Lukoil” to speak out and promise that they will stop buying importing sanctioned oil in Georgia publicly.
“I want to point out with full responsibility that Georgia does not buy sanctioned oil. Georgia obeys the sanctions with maximum responsibility, there are no remarks against Georgia in this regard. Specifically, the oil purchased by these companies is not sanctioned, such oil is purchased by many European countries, including Georgia, decisions are made by private commercial organizations taking into account the practices that already exist.
As for the enforcement mechanism, the customs structures of Georgia had specific work with the strategic partners of Georgia, all state agencies, representatives of various ministries were involved in the process together with experts when the specific enforcement mechanisms of sanctions were clarified. Decisions regarding oil or oil products are agreed with our strategic partners. So we can close this issue” said Davitashvili at the briefing after the end of the government meeting.
According to Levan Khabeishvili, there are tens of companies in Georgia who import “bloody” oil from Russia, including “Wissol Group”, “Aragvi Impex” and “Lukoil”.
The UNM leader publicly requested aforementioned and other ten companies to stop financing Russia’s genocide in Ukraine.
