Irakli Garibashvili’s role was decisive in maintaining peace despite direct pressure from the Biden Administration. Such a statement made today Speaker of the Georgian Parliament.

“The Biden Administration was directly pushing us to escalate tensions with Russia [after the war in Ukraine started]. I’ve mentioned multiple times that the former US Ambassador went office to office, including mine, trying to force Georgia into escalation with Russia. Therefore, Irakli Garibashvili’s firm and direct position was crucial… Despite direct pressure from the Biden administration, Irakli Garibashvili’s role was decisive in maintaining peace. I want to thank him for withstanding this pressure.

His leadership was crucial in Georgia’s successful recovery from the COVID period. Let me remind you that in 2021, Giorgi Gakharia resigned at the prompt of the then-US Ambassador to destabilize Government. Garibashvili took on leadership at that moment. Precisely from that point, economic growth began in Georgia. The results of this economic growth can also be attributed to the leadership of Government at that time. So, I want to thank him for his service to the country, wish him success with his family. I am confident he will continue to play an important role in Georgia’s development”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.