Georgian Govt’s allegations against USAID over plotting unrest “false” – US Embassy

The US Embassy to Georgia on Monday said the allegations by the Georgian State Security Service that USAID had funded a training in Tbilisi last month for a “planned unrest” in the country to “overthrow the Government” this fall was “false”, and “fundamentally mischaracterized” the goals of the US assistance to Georgia over the years. 

 

The diplomatic mission stressed USAID had been supporting the Georgian people since 1992, and that the country’s assistance was “transparent, and we welcome any opportunities to discuss any concerns the Government may have”. 

 

The Embassy also said, USAID had cooperated with Serbian NGO Canvas – whose representatives were accused of facilitating the “anti-Government” training in Tbilisi between September 26-29 – for more than two years to “help people to speak up for the issues that matter to their families and communities”. 

 

“We have partnered with CANVAS to deliver training to mothers advocating for better cancer treatments for children, and to people advocating for the rights of elderly citizens in their communities”, said the Embassy. 

 

It highlighted “despite these unwarranted attacks”, the US would continue to support Georgian organizations who support people to “secure the future they determine and deserve and to secure their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Georgian constitution”.