**US Embassador Rejected by Georgian Ruler**
The US Embassy in Georgia has announced that the country’s informal ruler, Bidzina Ivanishvili, declined a meeting with Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. The ambassador wanted to deliver a message from the Trump administration regarding US-Georgia relations.
According to the embassy, on May 22, Ambassador Dunnigan asked for a meeting with Mr. Ivanishvili to communicate a message from the administration and to discuss specific steps that the Georgian government can take to improve its relationship with the US. The embassy hopes that the Georgian government sincerely wants to return to its long-standing partnership with America.
**Georgia’s Isolation**
The Georgian government has been facing international isolation since disputed elections in October 2024 and a shift in foreign policy away from Europe in November. Anti-government protests have been ongoing for months, and the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is seeking to reset relations with the US. They claim to share values with President Trump and are betting on him in what they describe as an “ongoing fight” between Trump and the “deep state”.
**Sanctions and Tensions**
In November 2024, the US suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia due to concerns over human rights abuses and ties with Russia. In December, the US Treasury sanctioned Mr. Ivanishvili, accusing him of enabling human rights abuses and undermining democracy in Georgia for the benefit of Russia.
The US has also been considering wider sanctions against Georgian Dream officials through the MEGOBARI Act. Secretary Marco Rubio has referred to Georgian Dream as an “anti-American government”, warning that relations with Georgia are currently under review.
**Tbilisi’s Response**
Tbilisi has tried to downplay Secretary Rubio’s remarks, accusing Rep. Joe Wilson of misleadingly framing the question to the Secretary of State by calling Georgian Dream an “anti-American government”. However, these comments have put further pressure on the Georgian government to improve its relations with the US.
**A Rocky Relationship Ahead**
It is clear that US-Georgia relations are at a crossroads. The Georgian government’s actions have led to significant tensions, and it remains to be seen whether they can take concrete steps to improve their relationship with America. As tensions continue to rise, it seems likely that this rocky road will stretch on for some time.
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