US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, on Friday called on the Georgian government to reconsider its stance on European Union (EU) accession, following a statement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that Georgian Dream did not plan to begin EU accession talks within the next four years.
Dunnigan expressed concern that this statement, part of a broader series of actions, casted doubt on the government’s commitment to Georgia’s Western course, which had been a “long-standing aspiration for the majority of the Georgian population”.
“Since my arrival in Georgia over a year ago, I have worked to strengthen US-Georgian relations and support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration,” said Ambassador Dunnigan. “Unfortunately, the Prime Minister’s statement, which was immediately praised by the Kremlin, raises significant questions about the government’s intentions regarding the EU.”
Dunnigan also condemned recent incidents of police alleged violence against protesters and journalists, urging the Georgian government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and press freedom.
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of repairing ties with Western countries that she said had supported Georgia for over three decades, stressing that the future of Georgia “lies in its commitment to EU integration and democratic values”.
