Georgian PM: weakening of US ‘deep state’ will positively impact Georgia-US relations

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday said the future of US-Georgian relations hinged on the outcome of the ongoing struggle between US President Donald Trump and the deep state.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze noted that his Government had already conveyed its messages to the US administration, and further pointed out that if there was a genuine interest on the American side in rebooting bilateral relations, then specific steps must be taken by the US.

“Everything depends on how the ongoing struggle between President Trump and the deep state unfolds and concludes. Even representatives of the current administration openly acknowledge this struggle. If the President succeeds in weakening the deep state, it will certainly reflect positively on Georgian-American relations. If he does not, the existing status quo will remain unchanged”, the PM said.

“In addition, we should recall the adoption of the so-called MEGOBARI Act. Sanctions remain in place, including against the Vice Prime Minister and our Minister of Internal Affairs. That is why I say this is not a case of passive silence or inactivity. We need to change the current reality”, he continued.

“If the American side is also interested in rebooting the relationship, then I believe steps should be taken. However, that decision does not lie with us. We’ve done our part - we voiced our positions and sent our messages to the administration. Now we wait to see how they will respond”, the Government head concluded.