'West has never tried to draw Georgia into war', US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan says
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 29, 2022
In a recent interview with a media agency Interpressnews, the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan responded to Bidzina Ivanishvili's recent open letter where he wrote that Georgia has successfully avoided being dragged into a war in Ukraine. Kelly Degnan's response is that at the meeting between Ivanishvili and Degnan there were no talks about Georgia's involvement in the war, adding that the West has never tried to drag Georgia into war.
"Usually, we do not talk to the press about personal meetings, but as Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili confirmed, I last met him on March 21, after which a lot of time has passed. Our meetings have always been about the US-Georgia strategic partnership and US efforts to support Georgia's economy, security and democracy, to support development. Let me say very clearly so that no one has any more questions - there was never any talk about Georgia's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, or about "blackmail" or actions related to delaying the transfer of money to Ivanishvili. You should address these issues to him or to those specific banks." said the US Ambassador to Georgia.
Kelly Degnan has also assessed Bidzina Ivanishvili's mention of his legal dispute with Swiss bank in the letter, where he stated that it is directly related to ongoing political process in Georgia. The US Ambassador said that the ongoing discussion of this topic is a 'distraction from important work' and that this is Ivanishvili's private matter:
"When the United States imposes financial sanctions, we announce them publicly. There is a searchable list on the Treasury Department's website where banks, the media and the general public can check who is and is not subject to financial sanctions. Any discussion of Swiss bank accounts is, frankly, a distraction from important work. As Mr. Ivanishvili stated in his July 27 announcement, this is a private matter between him and the financial institution," said Kelly Degnan.
"Frankly, it's a little confusing how much time and energy some spend on sanctions, or other people's money issues, instead of focusing on a clear path to EU membership," the US Ambassador added.
Degnan also discussed the motive behind the 'false' narrative that 'the west wanted to drag Georgia in war' and said that people who say this are doing Russia's work and it serves as a misinterpretation of US efforts to help stop the war:
"Again, we must ask what is the motive of anyone who persistently repeats false information that appears to be aimed at misrepresenting US efforts. US efforts have focused on restoring peace during the Kremlin's brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine. We are working to end the war in Ukraine as quickly as possible and we are doing everything to prevent this tragic conflict from spreading to Georgia or any other country. In the months leading up to the re-invasion in February, US diplomatic efforts were well-mobilized, with constant warnings against the unprovoked use of force, and constant communication to both Putin and the Russian people that a diplomatic solution was the best solution.
The West has never tried to 'draw Georgia into the war'. We have no interest in involving Georgia in the war. As we told the leaders of Georgia from the beginning, we understand Georgia's sensitive position, taking into account Georgia's own experience with Russia's occupation of Georgian territory and Russian aggression. Those who repeat this narrative are doing Russia's work and thereby trying to divide Georgia at a critical moment in its democratic development. Those who suggest that Georgia would receive candidate status if Georgia were at war, or who promote the narrative of a 'second front' are spreading disinformation aimed at creating fear and confusion. It is even more disturbing when these statements are echoed by members of the ruling party.
The West is cooperating with Georgia to end Russia's occupation of Georgia peacefully and to support the many people displaced as a result of Russian aggression. Our position is clear - this was stated by President Biden, Secretary Blinken, the representative of the State Department, our numerous guests and myself. There is no doubt that as a partner of Georgia, we want peace - here in Ukraine and throughout Europe. We continue to work for a whole, free and peaceful Europe, of which Georgia is a part." said US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan.
