US Ambassador Explains Decision to Cancel Joint Exercises to Georgian Authorities

The US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, commented on the country’s Ministry of Defense's reaction, which considers the decision to postpone the Noble Partner joint exercises as unclear, as reported by Sova.

The Ambassador clarified that there is nothing unclear about this issue, as the review of bilateral relations between the US and Georgia is ongoing. “This is certainly unfortunate, but there is nothing unclear about it. We have talked about this matter, and the Secretary of State made it clear that our bilateral relations are being reviewed, so in this context, these exercises have been canceled due to public statements made by certain individuals, including members of the ruling party,” she stated.

At the same time, Dunnigan expressed hope that “our relations will be balanced.” Earlier, the Pentagon announced the indefinite postponement of the Noble Partner joint exercises with Georgia as part of a comprehensive review of bilateral relations.

In turn, Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani referred to the Pentagon’s announcement as an “unclear decision.” Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili highlighted the threats to the country’s defense associated with the cancellation of exercises with the US.