Kortsheli incident "shameful", says Ivanishvili

The violent incident between representatives of Georgia’s two largest political parties was ‘shameful’, ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili told reporters on Tuesday, blaming the violence on United National Movement supporters. 

The incident occurred in Kortsheli during by-elections on May 22. A large group, allegedly including Olympic wrestlers, assaulted others, using weapons. There were several arrests.

“This was a very shameful incident. I would urge the governing team and the whole society that we should do everything possible to avoid such incidents in the future,” the Georgian Dream politician said. 

“One team came to power by throwing stones and we came to power by other way. The government and the governing team bear responsibility for what happened in Kortskheli; they should realize this and have more patience”, he said.

The press conference lasted more than two hours, with Ivanishvili touching on many political and economic issues.

“This incident has greatly affected the state”, he said. “I have no doubt that this was a well-planned provocation of the National Movement.”

Earlier this month the former prime minister published an open letter explaining his thoughts on contemporary Georgian politics, and giving his support to new prime minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. 

Ivanishvili is planning to travel around the country and appear on television regularly. If Georgian Dream lose the election, he will leave politics, he said. 

SOURCE: Ivanishvili's press conference

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.