**US and Georgia: A Relationship in Limbo**
The relationship between the United States and Georgia has been strained for quite some time, with both sides accusing each other of not being genuinely interested in mending ties. In a recent statement, Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chairman of the ruling party “Georgian Dream”, shed light on why he refused to meet with the US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan.
According to Ivanishvili, every leader of the Georgian government has expressed willingness to engage in resetting the relationship, provided the American side shows genuine interest. However, Ivanishvili claims that despite his efforts, the Biden administration has not responded positively, instead using blocked funds as leverage for blackmail.
**A History of Blocked Funds**
Ivanishvili recalled that when informal sanctions were temporarily suspended last autumn, and certain funds were released, he offered a meeting to Ambassador Dunnigan. Initially agreeing, she later postponed the meeting several times before declining altogether. Ivanishvili stated that he even went as far as offering to spend the blocked funds on any purpose dictated by the American side, since money has never been his interest.
However, this offer was met with silence from the US embassy. Ivanishvili concluded that the Biden administration’s lack of response implies they are not actually interested in the funds themselves but rather using them as leverage for personal blackmail.
**A Meeting Rejected**
What’s more, when Ivanishvili offered a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia instead, Ambassador Dunnigan declined this offer as well. This has led the Georgian government to believe that personal blackmail is seen as the main factor in potential decisions they might make regarding state interests.
Ivanishvili emphasized that no principled decision is made in the ruling party without the involvement of the team and, above all, the Prime Minister. Therefore, the request for a meeting with him alone can only be explained by the fact that such a meeting would have value in the context of personal blackmail.
**A Call to Rebuild**
In his statement, Ivanishvili expressed hope that the American embassy will respond positively to the Georgian government’s offer to start a new chapter in their relationship. Every leader of the Georgian government has expressed full readiness to actively engage in resetting Georgian-American relations, should the American side demonstrate genuine interest.
The ball is now in the court of the US embassy to respond positively and demonstrate a willingness to rebuild this strained relationship.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
