PM: Georgian-American relations can be reviewed, sanctions counterproductive

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said any countermeasures would lead to an immediate review of Georgian-American relations. 

Speaking to journalists, he emphasized that sanctions imposed by Washngton on unspecified Georgian officials after the adoption of the controversial foreign influence transparency law in May, were not a productive approach and should not be considered a viable countermeasure.

“The Georgian side is currently in a waiting mode,” Kobakhidze said. “We are fully prepared to reset our relationship with the United States. 

 

A lot has gone wrong in these relations over the past three to four years, and a reset is necessary. We are ready for it, but we need to see the next steps. Whatever steps are taken, these relations will be reviewed immediately.”

When asked whether the recent MEGOBARI Act could be considered a step toward improving relations, Kobakhidze responded critically, describing it as a “hostile act” due to its content, which he claimed contains direct blackmail.

“If you examine the contents of this act, it’s clear that it is not a ‘friendly act’ but rather a ‘hostile act’. The document includes elements of blackmail, which should not be the main purpose of any act intended to reset relations. This approach will not help improve the relationship,” he explained.

Kobakhidze concluded by saying his office was  waiting for “fair, pragmatic, and genuinely friendly” steps from the United States and reiterated sanctions and threats were counterproductive and called for a healthier dialogue to reset relations.