Founder of TBC Bank Mamuka Khazaradze has announced plans to create a new public movement in September, which will attempt to unite Georgia and preserve the country’s freedom and independence.
Khazaradze wrote on his Facebook page that the recent developments in the country [referring to anti-occupation and anti-LGBT rallies] are “alarming” and divide the public, and expressed his support to the youth protesting “occupation and violence” on the Rustaveli square.
Khazaradze said that it is not right to watch the challenges and the problems “the homeland faces” from the backstage.
The consolidation of progressive, pro-western and healthy forces is as important today as ever. It has become obvious that easing tension and ensuring peace has become impossible only through the efforts of the government and political parties,” Khazaradze stated.
Khazaradze said that the movement will unite professionals from different fields, who are unanimous that Georgia should be a European state, with strong economy and the rule of law.
Khazaradze and another founder of TBC Badri Japaridze had to quit the board of the bank earlier this year, following an investigation into a possible money laundering case the Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office launched.
Khazaradze said that the reason for the “ungrounded investigation” could be his involvement in the construction of Georgia’s strategically important Anaklia deep-sea port, the suspicion which was strongly denied by the government.