Opposition figure Gulu Mammadli stated that the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was expected, but the reasons go beyond simple criticism of the authorities. According to Mammadli, Karimli's publications in major Western media have increased his political significance and visibility abroad, which has caused concern among the Azerbaijani authorities.
By imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on a number of Georgian politicians and security officials, the US has reached a critical point. This statement was made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at a meeting with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan.
"The adoption of another such decision could lead to a qualitative revision of Georgia's position on Georgian-American relations. I think that this decision was made by some forces that have informal influence on the US presidential administration," Irakli Kobakhidze suggested.
According to him, the US wants to increase the opposition's chances before the elections, but these steps are counterproductive.
Kobakhidze noted that the decision made by the State Department will further strengthen the public's motivation to firmly stand up for the independence and sovereignty of Georgia in the parliamentary elections on October 26.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller responded to Kobakhidze's words that sanctions were allegedly imposed by certain groups of people.
"In the United States of America, unlike some countries in the world, political decisions are made by a democratically elected government and no one else," Miller emphasized.