US Ambassador Calls for Restored Relations Amid Aid Suspension
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, August 2, 2024
US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan expressed a willingness to restore relations with Georgia, urging the government to take significant steps to return to a pro-democratic course. This statement follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's announcement of the suspension of $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to concerns over anti-democratic actions.
Ambassador Dunnigan explained that the suspension is a response to several troubling actions by the Georgian government, including the controversial "Foreign Agents" law and false statements about the US. These actions have raised alarms about the government's commitment to democratic principles and its relationship with the West.
"Let me begin by reiterating the absolute support of the United States government and the American people for the people of Georgia. We have been partners for 33 years. We have been working together for 33 years. We fought together. Together we helped build schools and clinics. We did this together to promote the path of Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and Euro-Atlantic integration. We will continue to do this for the people of Georgia," Dunnigan said.
Despite the suspension of aid to the government, the US remains committed to supporting the Georgian people. This includes ongoing assistance to students, teachers, farmers, small business owners, civic activists, civil society organizations, and the Georgian Defense Forces. "Our assistance to the Defense Forces of Georgia will also continue. As the Secretary of State said, everything is under consideration," Dunnigan added.
The ambassador highlighted that the European Union has also noted these anti-democratic actions and disinformation, leading to a pause in Georgia's EU accession process. She stressed the importance of aligning with the aspirations of the Georgian people to join Western democracies and expressed hope that the Georgian government would take necessary steps to mend relations.
"We are ready to restore this relationship. I hope the government will take important steps to return to the original course. I want to repeat that we will always be a friend and partner of the people of Georgia," Dunnigan concluded.
