Irakli Kobakhidze on possible legal proceedings against Mamuka Mdinaradze: There are no grounds for such action; as for my communication with Mdinaradze, we are in touch from time to time, our friendship is unrelated to politics "There is absolutely no basis for this question [as to whether legal proceedings are expected regarding Mamuka Mdinaradze]. Since I am telling you there are no grounds, it

"There is absolutely no basis for this question [as to whether legal proceedings are expected regarding Mamuka Mdinaradze]. Since I am telling you there are no grounds, it follows that we should not expect any such proceedings," Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in reference to the former head of the State Security Service, Mamuka Mdinaradze.

Speaking to journalists at the Georgian Dream office following meetings of the Political Council and the parliamentary majority, Irakli Kobakhidze mentioned that the team had discussed various issues today, including the matter concerning Mamuka Mdinaradze.

"Mamuka Mdinaradze has left politics. Questions sometimes arise regarding this topic. In my view, it is inappropriate to place excessive emphasis on this matter when the individual in question has already stepped away from politics. I see no grounds for doing so.

Naturally, this issue [concerning Mamuka Mdinaradze] was discussed. Discussions took place within the team regarding a range of topics. However, I reiterate that I do not consider it appropriate to discuss this matter publicly, given that the individual has left politics.

The conversation touched upon the fact that someone who previously held various high-ranking positions has exited politics; a very general comment was made in this regard.

I do communicate with Mamuka Mdinaradze from time to time. I will repeat: our friendship and other such matters are entirely unrelated to politics," Kobakhidze noted. When asked whether he and Mdinaradze are still friends today, Kobakhidze replied: "That is not of interest to you. You may ask questions regarding politics. I am simply choosing not to answer you—deliberately. It makes no difference what the answer might be. If you have questions concerning politics, by all means, feel free to ask them; however, even regarding politics, I wouldn't raise such questions, as the individual in question has left politics. Consequently, I do not consider it appropriate to discuss this topic publicly at all—it is no longer relevant," stated Kobakhidze.

He further explained that the question of whether or not he is a friend of Mamuka Mdinaradze is not one that should be posed following meetings of the parliamentary majority or the Political Council.

"Why are you asking about friendship? Friendship is none of your business. I am deliberately not answering you because this is not a relevant question to ask after a Political Council or parliamentary majority meeting," Kobakhidze remarked.

Irakli Kobakhidze also addressed a question regarding a post by Georgian Dream member Dito Samkharadze—in which the name "Mamuka Mdinaradze" could allegedly be discerned—and whether, consequently, any legal proceedings might be expected concerning Mamuka Mdinaradze. Kobakhidze stated that there is absolutely no basis for such a question.

"I don't know what anyone might have read into it. As for your insinuation, I can tell you that it has no basis whatsoever. I repeat: there is no basis for this question. I think what I am saying is clear. If I tell you there is no basis, then it follows that we should not expect anything to happen," declared Irakli Kobakhidze.