The News in Brief
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US National Security Council Official Expresses Concern over Georgian Government's Strategic Direction
Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, expressed concern over the recent strategic direction of the Georgian government, urging a change in course. His remarks were shared by journalist Alex Raufoglu on X.
"Frankly, when we see harassment of civil society, when we see laws being passed that limit the space for fundamental freedoms in Georgia, that's not compatible with the values that undergird the NATO alliance. Nor, frankly, do we think it's compatible with your Atlantic integration writ large, including the EU," Carpenter stated.
Carpenter highlighted that the Georgian government has been moving in the wrong direction regarding its Euro-Atlantic integration prospects over the past few months. He emphasized the longstanding US support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, noting the US participation in over 60 rounds of the Geneva International Discussions to support Georgia.
"It is with some concern and sadness, frankly, that we see this move in the other direction. So we hope to see a change in strategic direction for the Georgian government," Carpenter said.
US Embassy Fosters Opportunities for Georgian Businesses in American Market
The United States Embassy in Georgia announced initiatives to help Georgian entrepreneurs enter the American market. "Often, only a window of opportunity is enough for success - we create such an opportunity for Georgian people who have unique ideas and businesses. We help them enter the American market," the embassy's statement read.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, forty-five Georgian businessmen attended SelectUSA, the largest investment summit promoting foreign direct investment in the United States. During the summit, attendees engaged in meetings with investors and high-ranking US government officials to discuss business opportunities in the USA. Georgian business ideas were also presented.
"This visit is an important step in deepening the economic ties between our countries. The United States remains committed to this economic partnership," the embassy's statement reads.
New Political Platform Unity for the Salvation of Georgia Launched
A new political platform, Unity for the Salvation of Georgia, has been founded. Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of the United National Movement, introduced the team members: Giorgi Vashadze, Gia Japaridze, Sopo Japaridze, Lasha Bakradze, Ana Mosashvili, Tamar Kordzaia, Armaz Akhvlediani, Irakli Pavlenishvili, and Lasha Diarov. The election number for Unity will be 5.
In her speech, Bokuchava emphasized the importance of the upcoming October 26 elections. She described it as a crucial opportunity to save the country from division and controversy caused by Bidzina Ivanishvili's 12-year rule. Bokuchava urged unity, stating, "Now is the time for unity for Georgia". She highlighted the election as a referendum between aligning with Russia or Europe, calling for citizens to set aside divisions for the greater good.
"I stand before you with a great sense of responsibility to each of you and to each citizen of this country, those who realize and feel that the October 26 elections are a chance to save our country. This is a chance to reclaim our historical choices. This is a chance to get out of the vortex of controversy and division in which Ivanishvili's 12-year rule has dragged us, to become proud and to take Georgia to the European Union," Bokuchava stated.
US National Security Council Official Expresses Concern over Georgian Government's Strategic Direction
"Frankly, when we see harassment of civil society, when we see laws being passed that limit the space for fundamental freedoms in Georgia, that's not compatible with the values that undergird the NATO alliance. Nor, frankly, do we think it's compatible with your Atlantic integration writ large, including the EU," Carpenter stated.
Carpenter highlighted that the Georgian government has been moving in the wrong direction regarding its Euro-Atlantic integration prospects over the past few months. He emphasized the longstanding US support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, noting the US participation in over 60 rounds of the Geneva International Discussions to support Georgia.
"It is with some concern and sadness, frankly, that we see this move in the other direction. So we hope to see a change in strategic direction for the Georgian government," Carpenter said.
US Embassy Fosters Opportunities for Georgian Businesses in American Market
Under the leadership of Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, forty-five Georgian businessmen attended SelectUSA, the largest investment summit promoting foreign direct investment in the United States. During the summit, attendees engaged in meetings with investors and high-ranking US government officials to discuss business opportunities in the USA. Georgian business ideas were also presented.
"This visit is an important step in deepening the economic ties between our countries. The United States remains committed to this economic partnership," the embassy's statement reads.
New Political Platform Unity for the Salvation of Georgia Launched
In her speech, Bokuchava emphasized the importance of the upcoming October 26 elections. She described it as a crucial opportunity to save the country from division and controversy caused by Bidzina Ivanishvili's 12-year rule. Bokuchava urged unity, stating, "Now is the time for unity for Georgia". She highlighted the election as a referendum between aligning with Russia or Europe, calling for citizens to set aside divisions for the greater good.
"I stand before you with a great sense of responsibility to each of you and to each citizen of this country, those who realize and feel that the October 26 elections are a chance to save our country. This is a chance to reclaim our historical choices. This is a chance to get out of the vortex of controversy and division in which Ivanishvili's 12-year rule has dragged us, to become proud and to take Georgia to the European Union," Bokuchava stated.