Georgia PM accuses critics of double standards over ties with Russia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused some of his critics of applying double standards to relations with Russia, arguing that their positions have changed significantly since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Kobakhidze said some people who had previously welcomed Russian tourists, investment and cultural ties were now taking a different stance toward Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“Some people welcomed all things Russian between 2008 and 2012, and even after that, including tourists, money from Russia, and so on, and who attended concerts, including in Russia itself. Now, those same individuals are making entirely different statements. What does this double standard indicate? That at their core, these people are foreign assets. They act not based on what takes place in this country, but according to what they are told to do from abroad,” Kobakhidze said.

According to the prime minister, these figures are not basing their positions on developments inside Georgia but are instead acting in response to instructions or influence from abroad.

By Sabina Mammadli