I can confirm that there was a proposal to gain some benefit by turning a blind eye and offering only mild criticism of Lelo. Such a statement made today Gia Baramidze, member of the United National Movement [UNM].

“We didn’t engage in any bargaining. The negotiations ended immediately once they heard our firm stance: the motherland is not a subject for negotiation. The UNM will never trade its principles on this matter.

Regardless of past partnerships, we will not support cooperation with this treacherous regime or participate in any operation that seeks to legitimise it. Our position is clear: we speak openly, and we will not compromise with anyone. Once again, anyone collaborating in this scheme would be committing treason against the Georgian people”, - added Gia Baramidze.

Members of the UNM - Ana Tsitlidze, Levan Sanikidze, and Irakli Pavlenishvili – said that “Lelo was paying money, begging us not to lambast them”.