US Ambassador Comments on Noble Partner 2024 Postponement
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, July 8, 2024
The US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, has commented on the recent announcement by the US Department of Defense concerning the indefinite postponement of the multinational exercise Noble Partner 2024. This decision comes as part of a broader review of the United States-Georgia bilateral relationship.
Dunnigan acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is certainly sad, but not incomprehensible. We have discussed this matter, and the Secretary of State has clearly stated that our bilateral relations were being reviewed." She noted that public statements made by certain individuals, including members of Georgia's ruling party, have prompted this reassessment of relations. "Therefore, the aforementioned exercises were canceled in this context, as there were public statements from certain individuals, including from members of the ruling party, and therefore the relations are being reviewed. That's why it's sad, but we hope that our relations will be balanced," she added.
The US government initiated a comprehensive review of its cooperation with Georgia on May 30. According to a statement from the US defense forces, this decision stems from false accusations made by the Georgian government against the United States and other Western entities. The Georgian government has alleged that the US pressured Georgia to open a second front against Russia to alleviate pressure on Ukraine and accused the US of participating in two coup attempts against the ruling party.
"As such, the United States Government has determined that this is an inappropriate time to hold a large-scale military exercise in Georgia," the statement concluded.
