Georgian Dream founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili has launched his election campaign on July 17. However, according to sources, the U.S. State Department and Treasury are preparing a package of sanctions against him. These sanctions are based on Executive Order 14024, which targets harmful foreign activities of the Russian government.
According to a high-level official, Ivanishvili has been taking steps to develop relations with Russian oligarchs and give Russia preferential access to the Georgian market. This official also claims that Ivanishvili has been following instructions from Russian intelligence services. The sanctions are expected to be implemented before or after the October 26 elections.
The U.S. administration hopes that these sanctions will send a strong message to the Georgian government and encourage them to return to a democratic course. This comes after the recent imposition of sanctions on Georgian police officials and right-wing extremists for human rights abuses.
It is not yet clear when the sanctions will be implemented, but sources suggest that the necessary work has been done. This move by the U.S. administration serves as a warning to the current government and shows their seriousness in promoting democracy.
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