Civil Georgia
January 20, 2023

U.S. Amb. Urges Georgia, Ukraine to Discuss Issues Privately

Today, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan attended the opening of the American Studies Center at the International Black Sea University (IBSU), where she answered a question about the Ukrainian Charge D’affair Andrii Kasianov’s statement regarding Georgia’s refusal to give Ukraine weapons. Also, the Ambassador talked about [the] Khazaradze, Japaridze, and Tsereteli’s [money laundering] case, and Georgia’s compliance with the international sanctions against Russia.

Commenting on Andrii Kasianov’s statement, according to which Georgia refused to transfer weapons to Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador called on Tbilisi and Kyiv to discuss these issues privately in the sensitive time when Russia is waging a war to take Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence away from it

According to the Ambassador, “the United States has asked all our allies and partners to look to see what they’re comfortable doing to support Ukraine.” [E]veryone is very, very aware of the sensitive situation that Georgia is in because 20% of your territory is occupied by Russia.”

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With regard to sanctions, the Ambassador said the U.S is working with the Georgian authorities to “help ensure Georgia has the capacity to comply with international sanctions.” Kelly Degnan also underscored “the tremendous opportunity” Georgia has by being a middle corridor for good flows from Central Asia to Europe.

Answering the question regarding the ongoing trial of Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze and Avtandil Tsereteli, U.S. Ambassador said she was waiting for the verdict. However, she noted that “when cases like this come up, that just raises more questions about the administration of the law and the ability of judges to administer the law, in accordance with the evidence presented and without interference. It just undermines overall confidence.”