Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker: Rubio’s comments about Georgia "too vague"

Georgia’s Parliament Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani dismissed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent remarks as overly broad, arguing that they cannot be interpreted as a direct reference to Georgia.

“Rubio’s comments were so general that under no circumstances can they be considered as addressing the situation in Georgia,” Tsilosani said in a statement. “He spoke broadly about regional dynamics and the general stance of US policy toward governments pursuing anti-American policies. That’s a far cry from endorsing Wilson’s misleading claims.”

Tsilosani criticized Congressman Joe Wilson’s line of questioning during the May 21 hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where Wilson labeled the Georgian government “anti-American” and urged Rubio to take punitive action.

“It’s clear that Wilson’s speech was crafted to lead Rubio toward a specific conclusion—one based on falsehoods. But Rubio did not offer the endorsement they were hoping for,” she said. “Their excitement and noise over Rubio’s response is misplaced.”

During the hearing, Wilson asked Rubio: “Is it our national interest having an anti-American government governing an important part of the world? And on that, not to take appropriate actions to impose cost on that government?”

Rubio responded that the issue is under review at the State Department, which is exploring “additional options” but has not yet decided on a course of action. He noted that US diplomatic teams on the ground are assessing which measures would be most effective in dealing with what he termed an “anti-American government.”

Despite opposition figures seizing on Rubio’s comments, Tsilosani argued that they reflect no formal policy shift or specific critique of Georgia. “Clearly, they haven’t aligned their policy yet, and that supposed victory some are celebrating is premature,” she said.