Kobakhidze Announces Anaklia Port Consortium Lost International Arbitration Dispute
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia has secured a victory in an international arbitration case concerning the Anaklia Port project. The arbitration, which began in 2020, involved a lawsuit filed by Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and other foreign investors following the Georgian government's suspension of the port's construction.
In a broadcast on Imedi TV, Kobakhidze praised the ruling as a testament to Georgia's adherence to legal principles. "In this case too, Georgia emerged victorious because the state consistently operates by the rules," Kobakhidze said. He emphasized that the country's legal system and its commitment to fairness were key to this outcome. The Prime Minister also criticized Khazaradze and Japaridze, suggesting that their motivations were politically driven.
"Khazaradze and Japaridze are part of a political faction that sought to use international arbitration against Georgia. However, justice prevailed because the state acted according to fair rules," he added.
Khazaradze responded to the arbitration decision with strong criticism. In a statement posted on social media, Khazaradze expressed disappointment and frustration, stating, "The decision made by the arbitration is disappointing as it resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs for Georgians. The Anaklia Port, which was to be built with Western investment, would have provided substantial opportunities for the Georgian people." He accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of deliberately stalling the project. "The government, under pressure from Russia, delayed and ultimately blocked the project, depriving Georgia of significant economic benefits," Khazaradze claimed.
Khazaradze criticized the government's approach to infrastructure projects, especially its reliance on Chinese contractors.
"We've seen issues with Chinese firms on other projects, such as the East-West Highway, including labor problems and environmental concerns." He called for a shift in government strategy and promised that a new, pro-European coalition would revive the Anaklia project. "We will restore Western investment and complete the project to high standards, creating thousands of jobs as part of our Marshall Plan," Khazaradze stated.
