UK Suspends 'Wardrop Dialogue' Ministerial Talks Over Georgian Government's Actions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
The British Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, has voiced serious concerns regarding the Georgian ruling party's "democratic backsliding and anti-Western rhetoric." In an interview with Interpressnews, Ward announced the UK's decision to freeze the bilateral ministerial talks, known as the Wardrop Dialogue, for the first time in its ten-year history. Additionally, plans for Defense Staff talks have been suspended, and a new cybersecurity program has been put on hold.
Ambassador Ward, who was optimistic about Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations before his appointment in July, stated that he has had to reassess his views due to the Georgian government's recent actions. "In my first months in Tbilisi, I have focused on making clear our concerns about democratic backsliding and anti-Western rhetoric," he explained. He expressed hope for a change in the government's approach that would allow for a return to a more positive outlook.
UK-Georgian relations, according to Ward, have deteriorated, mirroring Georgia's strained ties with other Western partners. The ambassador expressed his concerns over the ruling party's decision to pass the controversial Foreign Agents Law despite widespread opposition. He also voiced shock at the Georgian Dream party's manifesto advocating a ban on opposition parties, as well as disappointment over conspiracy theories suggesting that Western partners are undermining Georgia.
"Because of these issues, we have decided to freeze the Wardrop Dialogue, halt our planned Defense Staff talks, and pause new cybersecurity initiatives," he emphasized. Ward stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and re-establishing a close partnership following the upcoming elections.
On Georgia's aspirations to join NATO, Ward reiterated the UK's support but pointed out that NATO membership requires a commitment to democratic principles. "NATO is a political as well as military alliance," he noted, underscoring that Georgia must demonstrate its dedication to an independent judiciary, free media, and human rights. He recalled concerns expressed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg regarding the Foreign Influence Law earlier this year, stating, "A trajectory towards NATO is not compatible with measures which undermine democracy and human rights."
As the country approaches its parliamentary elections, Ward emphasized the importance of free and fair electoral processes. "The Georgian people should have the right to choose their government in free, fair, and competitive elections," he said. The UK is sending 50 observers to support the OSCE/ODIHR election monitoring mission and several local NGOs to ensure that the elections are transparent.
Lastly, the ambassador addressed recent legislative initiatives by the Georgian Dream party, reiterating his concerns about the Foreign Agents Law, which he believes undermines NGOs and stifles free speech. He also criticized the proposed Anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda law as discriminatory and contrary to Georgia's reputation as a tolerant society. "These laws go against our common European values," Ward concluded.
