**Georgia’s Government Criticizes US and Takes Aim at Western Partners**
The Georgian government has been in the spotlight recently for its harsh words against the United States and its traditional partners. On May 14, the country’s Parliament issued a statement criticizing the US House of Representatives for passing the MEGOBARI Act, which they called “extremely hostile” and “factually flawed.” The statement also warned that this act could damage the reputation of the US Congress.
This move comes as part of a larger trend in Georgia where the government has been pushing an anti-Western agenda. Last week, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili presented his annual report, which focused on what he called “five attempts at revolutions” in Georgia since 2020. This report was seen by many as an attempt to create a conspiratorial narrative against traditional partners like the EU and US.
**Government Withdraws Support for UN Secretary-General Candidate**
In another move that has sparked controversy, the Georgian government announced that it is withdrawing its support for Zurab Pololikashvili’s bid for a third term as the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization. Instead, the government will be backing the candidate nominated by the United Arab Emirates.
Pololikashvili himself has denied claims that he requested to withdraw his candidacy or was involved in consultations with the Georgian government on this decision. He has called on Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili to clarify the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of his candidature.
**Other News**
* A British teenager was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport for drug offenses after 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2.068 kilograms of hashish were found in her luggage.
* Former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili has been sent to pre-trial detention after he refused to comply with bail payments and appear before the GD parliament’s temporary investigative commission.
**EU Ambassador Criticizes Georgian Government**
The European Union’s Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, has sharply criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party for backsliding on democratic principles. He expressed concerns that this move could damage the country’s chances of joining the EU and warned that the bloc is considering sanctions against those responsible for violence.
**Georgian Officials Meet with European Counterparts**
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili attended a session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Luxembourg. She also met with Sabine Monauni, the Deputy Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani attended the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, where he delivered a speech on peacekeeping reform.
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