Prepared by Messenger Staff
Former PM Giorgi Gakharia Summoned Again to Parliamentary Investigative Commission
Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party and former Prime Minister, has been summoned for a second time to appear before the parliamentary temporary investigative commission. The commission is examining the Chorchana issue and seeks additional information from Gakharia.
Commission Chair Tea Tsulukiani said Gakharia has been notified to appear on June 23 for further questioning.
"We will re-question Giorgi Gakharia on June 23, to whom a notification has already been sent. This notification process has been partially completed but continues to ensure full compliance with legal procedures," Tsulukiani said.
She explained that the commission needs clarification on conflicting statements regarding the situation in Chorchana, Tsaghvli, and other villages. Gakharia previously stated that placing a checkpoint did not lead to any territorial loss and that the central government in Tbilisi maintained control. However, residents of Tsaghvli claim that the country lost the entire forest to occupying forces, and that Russian presence in Georgian territory has increased.
"These explanations are radically contradictory. It is our duty to ask him additional questions," Tsulukiani said.
The commission will also question Gakharia about his activities from 2012 to 2025, a period when he was in opposition after his resignation, including his and his party's work with international partners, she added.
Georgian Foreign Minister Meets U.S. Senior Advisor to Discuss Bilateral Relations
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili met with Wyatt Toehlke, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, to discuss the relationship between Georgia and the United States, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation and ongoing regional developments. It was noted that Georgia remains an important partner of the United States. The Foreign Minister reiterated Georgia's readiness to renew its strategic partnership with the U.S.
The parties also discussed security challenges in the region and globally, highlighting Georgia's key role in promoting peace and stability.
The U.S. Embassy in Georgia issued a separate statement confirming the meeting and noting that Ambassador Dunnigan and Senior Advisor Toehlke discussed U.S.-Georgia relations with Foreign Minister Botchorishvili.
"The United States continues to review its approach to Georgia to advance American interests. The United States has made clear the steps Georgia's government can take to demonstrate it is serious about improving its relationship with the United States," the embassy said.
