Opposition MP slams govt for “undermining” strategic partnership with US

Beka Liluashvili, a member of the For Georgia opposition party, on Thursday criticized the Georgian government for damaging the country’s strategic partnership with the United States. 

His comments came in response to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller’s statement about potential sanctions and a review of relations with Georgia after the adoption of the foreign confluence transparency law. 

Liluashvili accused the Georgian government of initiating the decline in relations by “repeatedly attacking the US ambassador and the entire embassy over several months”. He highlighted that the actions had strained the historically strong ties between the two nations.

“Matthew Miller’s announcement likely signals a reevaluation of the strategic partnership framework,” said Liluashvili. “It is clear that the Georgian government took the first steps to spoil relations with our strategic partners by launching direct attacks against the US ambassador and the embassy. Over the years, US support has been crucial for Georgia’s democracy, but this support was jeopardized when our government challenged these vital relationships.”

Liluashvili further noted that the government’s recent re-introduction of the “Russian Law” exacerbated tensions, portraying the US and European Union as adversaries rather than allies. “If anyone has questioned our strategic partnership, it is the Georgian government through its aggressive actions. As the country risks regressing and facing the threat of Russian influence, our international partners will not abandon the Georgian people in the face of this danger,” Liluashvili asserted.

Matthew Miller had indicated that the review of US-Georgia relations would consider potential sanctions, adjustments to aid, and a reevaluation of visa restrictions.