US interest in Georgia linked to regional tensions and democracy, opposition

Opposition leader Gigi Tsereteli has said heightened United States engagement with Georgia reflected ongoing regional conflicts and remained closely tied to democratic standards in the country.

Speaking to the media, Tsereteli said it was “appropriate” that Washington’s interest had increased amid wars in Iran and Ukraine, noting that communication between the two sides was taking place at a significant moment.

He stressed that deeper strategic partnership with the United States and other democratic countries would not be possible without strong democratic institutions. 

“No strategic partnership with the United States or any democratic country can develop to the level Georgia needs without democracy, free elections and in the presence of political prisoners,” he said.

Tsereteli added that greater US involvement in Georgian affairs could help limit what he described as harmful actions by the authorities.

His comments follow a phone call on 30 March between Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.