PM Kobakhidze: Joe Wilson’s proposal ‘neither serious nor of interest’ to Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday dismissed a provision on Georgia included in the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), saying it was initiated by Congressman Joe Wilson and does not reflect the official position of Washington.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said Georgia is awaiting the US administration's position on resetting bilateral relations and renewing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“We want to renew our strategic partnership based on a concrete roadmap, starting with a clean slate. Joe Wilson's initiatives are of no interest to us,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze described the provision as “laughable”, arguing that it had been included in the congressional bill at Wilson's initiative and should not be viewed as representing US policy.

“It is neither serious nor of interest to us. We are waiting for the official position of Washington regarding the reset of relations with Georgia,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the Georgian Government is seeking to relaunch its strategic partnership with the United States and is awaiting an official response from Washington.