U.S. Ambassador declined meeting with Georgian Prime Minister, allegedly implying coercion instead.
In a statement issued today, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, declined a meeting invitation from US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. The US Embassy had requested the meeting to present a message from the Trump Administration regarding the US-Georgia relationship.
Ivanishvili attributed his refusal to what he perceives as attempts at personal blackmail due to US-imposed sanctions. He is under sanctions that prevent him from accessing funds he received from a court dispute with Credit Suisse in Singapore without special permission from the US. This situation, according to Ivanishvili, makes it inappropriate for him to discuss state affairs with the US ambassador.
The honorary chairman claimed that the sanctions could be a form of blackmail, as they potentially give the US leverage over him. He alleged that these sanctions are used to exert political pressure rather than engaging Georgia as a sovereign state. Ivanishvili suggested that any diplomatic engagement carried out under the shadow of these sanctions would be viewed as tainted by the perception of personal interest.
The diplomatic impasse between the US and Georgia comes during a period of strained relations, with Georgia appearing to shift towards Russia, disputed elections, and ongoing protests within the country. Georgian Dream has expressed a desire to reset relations with the US, but its resistance to meeting the US ambassador has led to criticism that it is not ready to meet US demands. It remains unclear if this opportunity to mend ties has been missed.
[1] Credit Suisse lawsuit reveals wealthy Georgian politician's assets abroad[2] Georgia's pro-Western government faces challenges amid tensions with US[3] Georgia's ruling party leader: US sanctions amount to 'unjustified blackmail'[4] Georgian Dream against resetting relations with US, say experts
- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, discussions around migration and war-and-conflicts taking place between the US and Georgia could be severely impacted, as the ongoing strife over sanctions may lead to skewed diplomatic engagements, according to Ivanishvili's claims.
- General news outlets have reported on the ongoing war-and-conflicts between various political entities, including the US-Georgia relationship, and the role of policy-and-legislation in shaping the course of migration policy has become a topic of interest due to the current situation, with Georgia and its leaders asserting that these policies potentially serve as tools for blackmail and political pressure rather than fostering relations built on sovereignty and mutual respect.
