საინფორმაციო სააგენტო ინტერპრესნიუსი

Refusing to meet with the American ambassador is a refusal of strategic partnership and friendship with America, and of all the benefits that Georgia has received from its Western partners over the past 34 years, — this was stated by Giorgi Vashadze, leader of “Strategy - Aghmashenebeli,” in response to information released by the U.S. Embassy, according to which Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” declined a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan.

"Resetting relations is fundamentally important because the attitude that existed over the years is categorically unacceptable — America should be our strategic partner, our friend, and not a ruler," said Kakha Kaladze, General Secretary of Georgian Dream, responding to the statement from the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.

“We know very well that neither Gomelauri nor Kobakhidze make such decisions. All such matters are decided by Bidzina Ivanishvili. If Ivanishvili told Kobakhidze to jump off the Metekhi Bridge, he would do it.

This country has a Prime Minister and a Foreign Minister with whom they can communicate directly, not through some behind-the-scenes channels—so don’t complicate relations. This is what Irakli Zarkua, Chairman of the Diaspora Affairs Committee of Parliament, stated in response to the US Embassy’s announcement that Bidzina Ivanishvili had refused to meet with Ambassador Degnan.

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, rightfully condemned the desecration of the Russian flag by a Georgian singer, calling it a trivial act of arrogance, stated Sergei Gavrilov, a member of Russia’s State Duma, in a comment to journalists.

Ivanishvili didn’t want to establish a partnership with the Americans. Everything is a lie about them believing in Trump. No one recognizes Kobakhidze and his so-called ministers, – this is how Khatia Dekanoidze, one of the leaders of "Unity – United National Movement," responded to the statement by the U.S. Embassy, which said that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chairman of "Georgian Dream," refused to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan.

Ambassadors are practically erasing any distinction between an ordinary Georgian opposition figure and the ambassador of a friendly state – when there is no longer any difference in their rhetoric, this is obviously a blatant violation of the principle of political neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of our state, – this is what the Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, told journalists.

According to the US Embassy, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chairman of “Georgian Dream,” refused to meet with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan in Georgia.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs does not confirm reports regarding the resignation of Vaja Siradze, head of the Patrol Police, and Zviad Kharazishvili (“Khareba”), head of the Special Tasks Department.

It is clear that Ivanishvili is struggling with personnel issues, and a “clan” struggle and battle at the oligarch’s court is underway, said Irakli Pavlenishvili, deputy secretary-general of the “Unity National Movement,” commenting on the resignation of Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze thanked the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri, for his service and noted that he played a particularly important role in preventing four attempted revolutions.

"It is a great honor for me to lead this agency, to serve our country and people alongside the dignified and proud police officers and employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs," Gela Geladze stated after being introduced as the new Minister of Internal Affairs at the Government Administration.

Gela Geladze will replace Vakhtang Gomelauri as the Minister of Internal Affairs. Geladze was introduced in this new role by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a briefing held at the Government Administration.

A briefing by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has been scheduled in the government administration. Kobakhidze will make a statement at 11:00 am.

Today, when the situation in the country is calm, I took the liberty and asked my team to resign from my position, which will allow me to dedicate more time to my family—my wife, children, and newly born grandchild, - said the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri, in his public statement.

We are very pleased that such a letter has been received from the US presidential administration, which directly expresses openness towards cooperation, - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said when commenting on the congratulatory message sent by US President Trump to Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Giorgi Bachiashvili has been detained by local security services in the United Arab Emirates, The Guardian reports, citing friends and lawyers of Giorgi Bachiashvili.