Georgian PM says U.S. sanctions are insulting to Georgia, its people

TBILISI. June 11 (Interfax) - U.S. sanctions recently imposed on a number of Georgian MPs, law enforcement agents and civilians are insulting to Georgia and its people, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters on Tuesday.

"The sanctions are not serious and at the same time, they are offensive to our country and our people," Kobakhidze said, adding that the introduction of these sanctions is in conflict with the spirit of partnership between Georgia and the United States.

"I hope that ultimately, everything is going to be reviewed. It is in our interests to maximally deepen the relations with the U.S. and the European Union, and consequently, we expect reciprocal steps. This would be the right attitude toward the Georgian people and the Georgian state. I am calling on our Western partners to display pragmatism," he said.

Last week, the U.S. introduced sanctions against approximately 30 Georgian officials and civilians, whose names were not disclosed. Washington's motive for introducing these sanctions was the adoption by the Georgian parliament of the transparency of foreign influence bill, which the U.S. and the EU view as discriminatory and antidemocratic.