Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Thursday that the Georgian Dream authorities “respect” the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, in comments of recent allegations of four former MPs of the ruling party, who have several times accused Degnan of interfering in the country’s judiciary, attacking the Government and taking steps to “drag Georgia into Russia’s war in Ukraine”.  

"I have heard criticism from our former teammates and polemics as well. In general, I believe that the further expansion of this polemic, its deepening and exaggeration is not in the interests of our country. I think that only criticism and asking critical questions is not enough and necessary.  

“Moreover, I would like to say and remind everyone that America, since we regained independence, has implemented a number of positive projects, provided a lot of assistance to our country in many directions”, Garibashvili said, describing Degnan as a “very active Ambassador”.  

Stressing that the Georgian Dream was “respecting America, the American representative, the ambassador and all the representatives”, Garibashvili said that “we have a very good, close cooperation and partnership. Mrs. Degnan is a very active Ambassador and she is actively involved in the implementation of all the projects and programs that America is carrying out  in our country”.  

The former MPs, who left the party in June in a bid “to tell the public the truth”, have released several statements since then, with critical comments and accusations over Degnan and the US in general.  

The opposition claimed that the MPs were “voicing” the “anti-Western rhetoric” of the founder of the ruling party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.