**Georgian Foreign Minister Criticizes UK Over Sanctions and Funding**
On June 26, Georgian Dream’s (GD) Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward. The meeting was reportedly aimed at discussing the dynamics of relations between the two countries.
The main topic of discussion was the recent sanctions imposed by the UK on several high-ranking Georgian officials, including former Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili. These sanctions have been criticized by the GD government as a “shadow” cast over the strategic partnership between the two countries.
**UK Sanctions Spark Tension**
The UK has imposed sanctions on several Georgian officials in recent months, citing their involvement in violent crackdowns on protests and corruption allegations. The GD government sees these sanctions as an attempt to influence Georgia’s internal politics.
“We cannot agree with such actions that are aimed at influencing our internal processes,” Minister Botchorishvili said during the meeting. “Legal processes should not be politicized, and attempts to influence judicial proceedings should not take place.”
**Grant Funding in the Spotlight**
The meeting also discussed new grant rules, which require government approval for foreign funding. The UK Embassy had previously declined grants to several organizations due to procedural uncertainty related to obtaining consent.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry stated that clarification was provided to the Ambassador regarding the process of developing relevant rules for the new legislation. It is believed that all interested parties will be given necessary information immediately.
**Security Concerns**
Regional security challenges were also discussed during the meeting, with emphasis placed on the importance of proper functioning state institutions in ensuring the country’s stability and security.
**Reactions from UK Officials**
The meeting follows repeated criticism from British officials and diplomats toward GD’s actions. The UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty recently described the sentencing of opposition leaders to prison as a “blatant move to block election rivals.”
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