According to Sputnik Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, described the United States sanctions against Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs officials as an attack on the country. He framed the move as a test of Georgia’s sovereignty and warned that actions harming state institutions also strike at the nation itself. The remarks circulated widely, underscoring that Tbilisi intends to defend its security establishments and the role they play in public order.
Papuashvili emphasized that in any country, police officers are representatives of the state, and that an assault on a police officer is, in essence, an assault on the country. He argued that the sanctions strike at the backbone of statehood, and that protecting the integrity of security services is essential for maintaining governance, stability, and public confidence in the rule of law.
He noted that lifting sanctions against Georgian security forces and officials would be a central condition for resetting relations with the United States. This stance signals that Georgia seeks closer ties with Washington only after there are tangible steps toward rebuilding trust and reaffirming democratic norms within the country.
On September 16, the United States announced sanctions against 64 Georgian citizens and government officials who, in Washington’s view, undermine democracy and violate human rights. The move was seen in Tbilisi as a message about the standards Washington expects and a reminder that accountability remains a focal point for Western partners.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry stressed that Washington remains concerned about what it calls anti-democratic actions by certain Georgian officials and will continue to consider additional sanctions. The ministry urged dialogue and emphasized that Georgia remains committed to democratic reforms, the rule of law, and transparent governance while navigating a difficult political moment.
In response, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that if the United States imposes further sanctions, Tbilisi may rethink its relations with Washington. The remark was presented as a sovereignty-focused reminder that Georgia determines its own strategic direction and partnership terms, even as it engages closely with Western partners on shared interests.
Earlier, Georgian officials warned that the country would not permit itself to be used like Ukraine, stressing that Georgia would defend its own national interests and security calculus. This sentiment reflected a broader insistence on autonomy in foreign policy while balancing the responsibilities that come with partnership with Western governments and international institutions.