US engagement in Georgia’s Independence Day event canceled due to Ivanishvili’s anti-American claims – Embassy

The United States Embassy in Georgia has confirmed that its planned participation in Georgia’s Independence Day events on May 26 was canceled due to “anti-American” rhetoric voiced by Bidzina Ivanishvili. Ivanishvili, the founder and former Prime Minister, currently serving as the honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In a statement to Netgazeti, the US Embassy reiterated its “unwavering support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the Georgian government to recommit to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The embassy stressed “the United States remains a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and wants Georgia to be firmly integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community. We call on the government of Georgia to return to this path.”

Reports of the US withdrawal from the Independence Day event’s military component were first broadcast by the opposition-leaning Formula TV. These reports cited Ivanishvili’s defense of the contentious foreign influence transparency law and his accusations against the so-called Global War Party. He claimed they were attempting to incite conflict between Georgia and Russia and were organizing alleged unrest through the funding of domestic organizations.

Ivanishvili made these statements at a rally organized by the government in support of the controversial law. Opponents have branded it as a “Russian law,” alleging that its purpose is to suppress critical voices in the country. The rally saw citizens, predominantly civil servants, brought in from various regions to participate. During his speech, Ivanishvili voiced strong anti-Western sentiments, suggesting a conspiracy by the “Global War Party” to drag Georgia into war and alleging that the country’s sovereignty was under threat from Western forces.