Ian Proud: Helsinki Commission used to influence other countries, Georgia clear example

Former British diplomat and global crisis management expert Ian Proud on Sunday said the US Helsinki Commission was serving as an instrument of influence in foreign countries, noting that this was clearly evident in the case of Georgia.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Proud claimed that US Congressman Joe Wilson was actively working against Georgia’s interests in the United States.

“The Commission’s leadership, including Congressman Joe Wilson, has continuously sought to impose sanctions on Georgia solely because Georgian citizens supported the Georgian Dream party. This individual has tirelessly worked against Georgia’s interests in the United States”, he said.

He also commented on the existence of the deep state, saying it still exists, although it may be weaker than during Donald Trump’s first presidential term in 2017. Proud added that the deep state now has less ability to obstruct Trump’s policies, but it has not disappeared and continues to pose challenges.

Proud further argued that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s foreign policy was multi-vector, aiming to maintain good relations with all partners, but from the Helsinki Commission’s perspective, this approach was seen as a threat to its agenda.

A briefing on Georgia was held at the Helsinki Commission last week. During the briefing, Laura Thornton stated that she did not want to discuss methods and tactics publicly but noted that there are ways to continue supporting civil society and independent media in Georgia.

The scandal involving the Helsinki Commission gained attention last week after Professor Stephen Schrage published documents allegedly exposing Commission members and called for an investigation.