Georgian Prime Minister Identifies Reasons for Crisis in US Relations

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, has accused US-funded civil organizations of attempting to spark a revolution in the country through three separate initiatives and emphasizes the need to reassess the relationship between Tbilisi and Washington.

“Georgian-American relations truly need to be reassessed, particularly in the context of the four-year processes unfolding in our country. You all remember the two attempts at revolution, with a third attempt emerging in recent weeks. All of this, of course, indicates the need to reassess Georgian-American relations,” Kobakhidze told reporters on Friday during a Police Day celebration.

The Prime Minister attributed the crisis in Georgian-American relations primarily to the former US Ambassador Kelly Degnan. “It is a fact that the previous ambassador has spoiled a lot; much has deteriorated over the past three years. All of this needs to be corrected,” he said.

Kobakhidze expressed his respect for the current US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, informing that he had an “honest conversation” with the diplomat regarding the recharging of bilateral relations. “We will do everything possible to improve Georgian-American relations to the fullest. This is in the interests of both the Georgian people and the American people,” said the Prime Minister.

The US has reacted sharply to the passing of a foreign agents law in Georgia aimed at media and NGOs. The initiative, which the “Georgian Dream” party justifies by emphasizing increased transparency, was described by Secretary of State Antony Blinken as a law taken from the “Moscow Playbook” and “clearly contradicts the overwhelming majority of Georgians' desire to move towards EU integration.”

Days later, the US announced that it would prohibit entry to individuals involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members. The sanctions will target not just political figures supporting the foreign agents law but those responsible for dispersing protests as well. Additionally, Washington has begun reviewing US-Georgian cooperation.