Targamadze: US message to Georgian Gov’t was more diplomatic, but conditions for partnership remain

Opposition politician Givi Targamadze has claimed that the ruling Georgian Dream party is misleading its supporters by suggesting that relations with the United States are improving, arguing that Washington has once again outlined conditions for deeper cooperation with Tbilisi.

Speaking on recent meetings involving US State Department representatives, Targamadze said the American side reiterated demands that have been raised previously, though in a more diplomatic tone.

“After the State Department visit, there was a fairly specific list of issues that had already been communicated before. This time, they simply said it more softly and diplomatically — that if a sustainable partnership is to be established, a number of conditions and factors must be fulfilled,” Targamadze said.

According to him, US officials emphasised the need for continuous progress in meeting those conditions, including reducing external influence from countries such as Russia and Iran, improving the investment climate, ensuring judicial independence and allowing the opposition to participate fully in the political process.

Targamadze argued that meaningful opposition engagement is impossible while opposition figures are facing legal proceedings and imprisonment.

“Can this regime satisfy these conditions? In my view, it cannot, and that will become evident soon,” he said.

The opposition politician further accused Georgian Dream of attempting to create the impression that relations with the United States are being normalised in order to reassure its electorate.

“Georgian Dream is, first of all, deceiving its own voters by claiming that something is being resolved in relations with America. The attempt to present the situation as if they are reaching an understanding with the Americans is aimed at preventing their supporters from becoming concerned,” Targamadze stated.

His comments came after the US Embassy in Georgia said that the United States looks forward to working with the Georgian Government on a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to both countries and fully realises the potential of bilateral relations.