ICC Georgia condemns attack on TBC Bank and its founders

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Georgia) condemns the attack on TBC Bank and its founders,- it is said in a statement released by organization.

“Various governmental agencies, including the Prosecutor's Office, the Revenue Service, the Financial Monitoring Service and the National Bank have been implementing a concentrated attack on the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of JSC TBC Bank.

These deliberated attacks started after Bidzina Ivanishvili's interview, when he publicly criticized TBC Bank's Supervisory Board Chairman Mamuka Khazaradze.

TBC Bank is the largest financial organization in Georgia presented on the London Stock Exchange. The deliberated attacks on TBC Bank have significantly damaged the credibility of Georgia and its financial sector.

It is our opinion that such actions of the government are on the personal agenda of Ivanishvili on the development of TBC Bank and Anaklia port.

Chronic interference of the Government of Georgia in the activities of the court and Prosecutor’s Office for years has led to the discrediting of these institutions. The same pressure and interference by the government on the National Bank regarding the TBC Bank-related issues will also result in discrediting the National Bank.

The International Chamber of Commerce urges the government to stop attacks on TBC Bank and its founders; We also call on Chairman of the National Bank Koba Gvenetadze to oppose the government's pressure to maintain the independence of the National Bank;

Otherwise, we urge him to resign in order to maintain his own dignity and reputation.

The International Chamber of Commerce is concerned over the deterioration of business and investment climate in the country and calls on the government to stop mafialike attitude towards business sector.

ICC Georgia is actively negotiating with various local and international interested parties to put an end to injustice, "the statement reads.