**US Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Politician**
Laura Thornton, head of global programs at the McCain Institute, has analyzed the sanctions imposed by the US on Bidzina Ivanishvili. He is an honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” a political party in Georgia.
The language of the sanctions is very broad and could have big consequences. If Georgian banks don’t follow them, they might lose access to international financial institutions and the SWIFT system. This shows that Ivanishvili is not above the law and that his actions are being watched closely.
Thornton also talked about the practical effects of the sanctions on finance. While Ivanishvili might have hidden some assets, the sanctions make it harder for him and people associated with him to do financial transactions. They even extend to indirect links, which could affect his family members. This sends a message that Ivanishvili is not invincible and can be held accountable.
**Prime Minister’s Reaction**
The Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, downplayed the sanctions as insignificant. But Thornton thinks he is just pretending to have control over the situation. She points out that previous sanctions against officials were also dismissed in this way, showing how fragile the regime is.
Thornton says that sanctions are a tool used to make people change their behavior. They aim to steer “Georgian Dream” back to democratic processes and negotiations for free and fair elections. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken linked Ivanishvili’s sanctions to his anti-democratic actions and collaboration with Russia, making the situation even more complicated.
**Importance of Timing**
Thornton thinks that the timing of the sanctions is significant. They were announced just before the inauguration of the new US president, showing US support for Georgian democracy and activists fighting for democratic values. The sanctions send a strong message that the US stands by Georgia in its democratic aspirations.
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