Gov’t claims Anaklia Project is not linked to Khazaradze case
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Monday, July 29
Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze says that the people who say that Khazaradze was charged to stop the “harm the port construction the most.”
“We have expressed our full support for the project and done our best for it to be implemented, starting from taking on financial obligations to negotiations with financial institutions,” Bakhtadze said.
He stated that without the Anaklia Deep Sea Port Georgia will not be able to fully use its transit potential and boost its economy.
The Georgian Infrastructure Ministry said in its statement that the project ‘is not, and cannot possibly be connected’ with private individuals on consortiums.
“Incorrect interpretations and speculations, unfortunately, disturb the development of the project, as well as important negotiations between investors and financial institutions,” the ministry says.
The ministry states that the government is fulfilling all the obligations taken for the construction.
“We are actively conducting the construction works of the road and railroad leading to the Anaklia Port, as agreed in the project. Works are also underway for possible changes in the investment agreement,” the ministry reports.
Khazaradze, who was charged on July 24 with laundering 16.7 million USD back in 2008, says that the charge is invented and aims to stop the construction of the port which is much disliked by Russia, taking its strategic importance into account.
Khazaradze represents TBC Holding in the Anaklia Development Consortium, a company which won a state tender in 2016 to attract funds for the port construction.
The US embassy to Georgia wrote that they are closely following developments related to the criminal charges against Khazaradze and Japaridze.
“We are concerned about the context and timing of these charges. An impartial and transparent legal system that is free of political influence is vital for Georgia’s Western integration and its ability to attract foreign investment. We continue to support the Anaklia port project, a significant source of US investment in Georgia that has the potential to advance the country’s economic growth,” reads the statement.
The UK embassy says that “it is critical that this case is handled in an impartial and transparent manner. This is crucial for Georgia’s banking sector and its ability to attract foreign investment from a diverse range of sources.”
The EU representation in Georgia wrote that ‘we expect the principles of rule of law and independence of the judiciary to be fully upheld. A well-functioning judiciary is key for democracy and, to attract foreign investments. Developments related to TBC Bank are important for the Georgian banking sector and the macro-financial stability of the country.”
The Anaklia Development Consortium consists of TBC Holding from Georgia, Conti International from the United States, SSA Marine from the United States, British Wondernet Express working in Central Asia, and G-Star Ltd. from Bulgaria.