In the written comment to the Voice of America, the US Department of State calls the September 19 decision of the National Bank of Georgia regrettable, according to which the bank allowed an exception, which no longer obliges commercial banks of Georgia to impose sanctions on Georgian citizens.

“We are sorry for the decision of the National Bank of Georgia. Institutions and individuals who conducted transactions relating to Partskhaladze or other individuals sanctioned by us in connection with Russia put themselves at risk of being sanctioned.

The banking system of Georgia is one of the best achievements in the democratic history of Georgia. An independent national bank is the cornerstone of a healthy economy of any country”, - reads the comment.