Georgian ruling party policies ‘directly contradict’ Trump administration priorities, analyst warns

Nodar Kharshiladze, founder of the Strategic Analysis Centre, on Tuesday alleged the ruling Georgian Dream party’s recent diplomatic overtures, including deepening ties with China and Iran, could further undermine Tbilisi’s relationship with the United States and provoke significant consequences.

“The policy pursued by Bidzina Ivanishvili – the GD honorary chair and founder – and his party directly contradicts the priorities of the Trump administration,” Kharshiladze claimed. “This policy is based on rapprochement with the People’s Republic of China and the Islamist policy of Iran. Among them, the bilateral strategic statement with China and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s well-known visit to the Iranians will have a very negative impact on Trump’s policy. This is a red line.”

The analyst warned that these actions might lead to sanctions against Georgian officials, echoing recent comments from US Congressman Joe Wilson, who hinted at the possibility of further punitive measures.

“Joe Wilson very rightly said that this is just the beginning. Indeed, it is. We should expect more sanctions,” Kharshiladze emphasized. “Instead of discussing what new, positive steps we can take, we are now talking about sanctions on the Georgian Dream. This is the ‘achievement’ of Bidzina Ivanishvili.”