Ivanishvili and Burchuladze accuse each other of lying

Burchuladze: No one has ever cast doubt on my words, cannot be said of Mr. Bidzina’s words (IPN)

Tbilisi, DFWatch – Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and famous Georgian operatic bass, Paata Burchuladze exchanged mutual accusations of lying.

“I would advice Paata Burchuladze not to lie,” Bidzina Ivanishvili said to journalists on Thursday asked about Burchuladze’s statement that he was offered presidential nomination by Georgian Dream before the last presidential elections, which was held in October, 2013.

Paata Burchuladze, a popular figure in Georgia, recently entered politics forming his political movement, State for People.

Prior to the Ivanishvili statement, in June 1, Paata Burchuladze said in an interview with Ajara TV that he had been offered presidential nomination. However, he said he declined the offer.

Burchuladze quickly responded to the Ivanishvili’s accusations.

“I am responsible for my words. No one has ever cast doubt on my words, cannot be said of Mr. Bidzina’s words,” Burchuladze said.

Paata Burchuladze and his political movement have often been accused by GD leaders of being ally of the United National Movement.

Irakli Kobakhidze, Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia, called Paata Burchuladze ‘UNM satellite’ in May after the two political groups – UNM and State for People – designated a joint candidate in one of the electoral districts during the by-elections.