Georgian PM: Georgian-US relations can only be repaired on the basis of fair approach

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said that relations between Georgia and the United States could only be restored through what he described as a fair approach that respects Georgia’s national interests, election results, and the will of the Georgian people.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze addressed the future of Georgian-American relations, arguing that tensions that emerged in recent years were the result of policies pursued by the previous US administration.

“We had our first, very interesting meeting on specific issues. Of course, we are ready to continue this discussion. The main foundation on which relations can be reset is a return to a fair approach. Everything that was damaged in Georgian-American relations over recent years was damaged because of the unfair attitude demonstrated by the previous administration. What was harmed through injustice can only be repaired through the establishment of a fair approach. A fair approach means that everyone must respect our national interests, the election results, and the will of the Georgian people. This should be the common attitude, something the previous US administration failed to uphold”, he said.

Responding to a question regarding a constitutional lawsuit banning political parties deemed “unconstitutional”, Kobakhidze said that any discussion about withdrawing the lawsuit would represent a continuation of the unfair treatment Georgia experienced from the previous United States administration.

“In our view, discussing the withdrawal of this lawsuit, for example, would amount to continuing the same injustice that we witnessed by the previous administration. Everyone must respect the rule of law in our country”, Kobakhidze noted.

The Prime Minister stressed that everyone must respect the rule of law in Georgia, including legal procedures in the Constitutional Court.

“When it comes to a lawsuit filed with Georgia’s Constitutional Court, everyone should respect the relevant legal process and procedures. That would be our request and expectation. Everyone must respect the rule of law; this is extremely important. When we speak about justice, this is precisely the starting point. Respect for the rule of law is one of the manifestations of justice”, he concluded.