Salome Samadashvili: The invitation of Kobakhidze to the European Union Summit does not mean that anyone has recognized the legitimacy of Ivanishvili's government – I expect that Kobakhidze will not have any serious meetings and will only participate in a formal manner

The invitation to this gathering [European Political Community Summit] does not mean that anyone has recognized the legitimacy of Bidzina Ivanishvili's government – I expect that Kobakhidze will not have any serious meetings and will only participate formally in this gathering – said Salome Samadashvili, one of the leaders of "Lelo – For a Strong Georgia", regarding Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's planned participation in the European Political Community Summit in Albania.

According to her, representatives of all relevant states located on the European continent are invited to this summit, regardless of whether they have a democratic system or not.

"The European Political Community was created recently as a platform that allows Europe to bring together representatives of all relevant states located on the European continent, regardless of whether those states have democratic systems. Being invited to this summit does not mean that anyone has recognized the legitimacy of Bidzina Ivanishvili's government. It is simply an acknowledgment of the fact that this political force is currently governing our country de facto. It will be very interesting to see whether Kobakhidze has any bilateral meetings in this format. I expect that he will not have any serious meetings and will only participate formally in the gathering," Samadashvili stated.

She also commented on reports about a possible deepening of trade relations between Russia and Georgia. According to Samadashvili, Russia is trying to issue new directives to the regime under the guise of trade.

"We have long said that Ivanishvili's statement before the elections made it clear what the next task from Russia is for this regime: dismantling the non-recognition policy and its legal foundation. After the Russian-orchestrated operation hijacked the elections, canceled the country’s European future, and now pushes Georgia into full isolation from the West – including a possible cancellation of visa-free travel – the next objective will be dismantling the non-recognition policy. Restoring transport links with the occupied territories and opening these transit routes to Russia, granting Russia new strategic opportunities, appears to be the next step. Under the guise of trade, Russia is now attempting to issue new orders to the regime on what must be done to initiate the dismantling of the non-recognition policy, followed by supporting recognition. Every step Russia is taking today in our country is being carried out through Bidzina Ivanishvili's hand," said Samadashvili.