US ambassador calls for “putting Georgia’s interests first”, instead of “political games” in front of cameras

Politicians will say what they have to say, we know that there are political games that are played in front of the cameras, but now it’s time to put Georgia’s interests first. More than anything, the US wants to see Georgia succeed in its efforts to become a member of the European Union, Kelly Degnan, the US ambassador to Georgia said on Tuesday. 

 

In her press comments ahead of the European Commission’s oral report on Georgia’s implementation of the 12-point conditions outlined by the EU last year for granting the country its membership candidate status, the diplomat stressed Tbilisi had received a “very clear” reform agenda to obtain the status later this year. 

 

“If the parliament takes these steps, it will bring Georgia closer to where all of us want it to be, receiving candidate status in December. I believe the European Commission will make a careful assessment of how inclusive the process was, and what progress was achieved in relation to the 12 priorities”, she said. 

 

The ambassador claimed her country had been supporting Georgia’s efforts to build democracy for 30 years, which she said  included supporting civil society, free, strong, and responsible media, adding it was Russia that benefited from internal divisions in the country. 

 

Degnan also pointed to a polarized political scene when she arrived in Georgia as an ambassador three-and-a-half years ago. 

 

The diplomat claimed Russia’s backed disinformation campaign was still in progress in the country which she said was “dangerous”. 

 

“Georgians know about this tactic. You have experienced Russia’s attempts to divide, confuse and intimidate the population for many decades. I hope there is an effort to reunify, not only for this great opportunity to bring you closer to European integration”, Degnan said. 
She stressed the country’s strength was in its unity in the face of existing challenges.