Vice Prime Minister Accuses Ukraine of 'Politically Motivated' Sanctions on 'Georgian Airways'
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
The Minister of Economy and Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili, has labeled the Ukrainian decision to impose sanctions on 'Georgian Airways' and its founder as politically motivated. He accused the opposition of providing inaccurate information to Ukraine, which formed the basis of the decision.
Davitashvili expressed his disappointment with the Ukrainian authorities, stating that while many airlines from various countries fly to Russia without facing similar reactions, Georgia has been subjected to an unfriendly decision. He also highlighted the close connections between certain opposition groups and the Ukrainian authorities, suggesting that this decision may have been influenced by misinformation, further damaging the relations between the two countries.
Regarding the response, Davitashvili stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has previously reacted to similar cases, and he expects an appropriate reaction from them now.
"It must be clearly said that this was a politically motivated decision because we see that there are too many airlines from various countries flying to Russia, and there has been no similar reaction or decision from the Ukrainian authorities. Therefore, it is sad to say that we have witnessed yet another very unfriendly decision by the Ukrainian authorities. We have had similar cases in the past where Ukrainian authorities imposed sanctions on several Georgian citizens.
We are aware of the close connections between certain opposition groups and the Ukrainian authorities, and perhaps this decision is based on such connections, where incorrect information is provided, leading to decisions that only harm the relations between the two countries without any improvement. As for the reaction, just like in previous cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has responded, and I am sure that there will now be an appropriate reaction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said the Vice Prime Minister.
On July 1, Ukraine imposed 10-year sanctions on 'Georgian Airways', including personal sanctions on its founder, Tamaz Gaiashvili. Gaiashvili strongly criticized the decision, deeming it both absurd and unfair.
