The News in Brief
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Embassy Clarifies Focus of Senator Shaheen and Congressman Turner's Visit to Georgia
The US Embassy in Georgia has released a statement addressing the visit of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Mike Turner, clarifying that former President Mikheil Saakashvili was not a subject of discussion during their meetings.
The embassy emphasized that the primary focus of the discussions was the relationship between the United States and Georgia. According to the statement, Senator Shaheen underscored that the first step toward improving the current situation must be taken by the Georgian government.
"Neither disinformation nor speculation helps resolve disagreements," the statement read. "During the most recent visit of Senator Shaheen and Representative Turner, former President Saakashvili was not a topic of discussion. What was discussed is the United States' desire for a strong relationship with Georgia, and the first step to get back on track must come from the Georgian government. We wait to hear its proposal," the embassy noted.
Georgian Dream Accused of Using Dark Money by US Helsinki Commission; Mikanadze Responds
The US Helsinki Commission recently accused Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, of using money from scam call centers worldwide to fund its activities and target political opponents. The commission urged the U.S. State Department to crack down on these operations, calling them part of an "antidemocratic campaign" against the Georgian people.
Givi Mikanadze, a member of the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority, responded sharply, calling the commission's claims an interference in Georgia's pre-election process. He argued that the accusations were baseless and seemed to support opposition parties.
"This statement, which lacks any evidence, is clearly in favor of the opposition. The idea that there are call centers involved in funding an anti-opposition campaign is complete nonsense. We expect proof, but you can't provide evidence for something that doesn't exist," Mikanadze said.
Mikanadze also accused the Helsinki Commission of double standards for not addressing the investigation into former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili's alleged involvement in call center scams or the human rights record during Mikheil Saakashvili's government.
US Embassy Clarifies Focus of Senator Shaheen and Congressman Turner's Visit to Georgia
The embassy emphasized that the primary focus of the discussions was the relationship between the United States and Georgia. According to the statement, Senator Shaheen underscored that the first step toward improving the current situation must be taken by the Georgian government.
"Neither disinformation nor speculation helps resolve disagreements," the statement read. "During the most recent visit of Senator Shaheen and Representative Turner, former President Saakashvili was not a topic of discussion. What was discussed is the United States' desire for a strong relationship with Georgia, and the first step to get back on track must come from the Georgian government. We wait to hear its proposal," the embassy noted.
Georgian Dream Accused of Using Dark Money by US Helsinki Commission; Mikanadze Responds
Givi Mikanadze, a member of the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority, responded sharply, calling the commission's claims an interference in Georgia's pre-election process. He argued that the accusations were baseless and seemed to support opposition parties.
"This statement, which lacks any evidence, is clearly in favor of the opposition. The idea that there are call centers involved in funding an anti-opposition campaign is complete nonsense. We expect proof, but you can't provide evidence for something that doesn't exist," Mikanadze said.
Mikanadze also accused the Helsinki Commission of double standards for not addressing the investigation into former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili's alleged involvement in call center scams or the human rights record during Mikheil Saakashvili's government.