Kelly Degnan, the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, denounced as "100 percent Russian invention" the allegations that the United States is aiming to draw Georgia into the Russo-Ukrainian War. As the West becomes increasingly critical of the Georgian government's democratic credentials, certain academics affiliated with the ruling Georgian Dream party have recently escalated their assertions. Imedi TV, a pro-government network, has made extensive use of the pundit narrative.
At a press conference at Batumi State University, Ambassador Degnan stated, "When I hear claims that the United States is working against Georgia, or that the United States is attempting to draw Georgia into the conflict, or that the United States is attempting to open a second front, that is 100 percent Russian disinformation." She continued, "The United States has done everything possible to put a stop to this dispute and the violence." “The stability, prosperity, and peace that accompany membership in the Euro-Atlantic dimension can be witnessed in all member states of this community,” the ambassador noted.
Earlier, Kara McDonald, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, indicated in Tbilisi that she was conveying a message from Washington that expressed "grave concern" over Georgia's democratic trajectory. McDonald also stated in her June 10 speech to Georgian media that she came to Georgia with a message of strong U.S. commitment and engagement in supporting Georgia's democratic future and aspirations.
The U.S. official stated that during her meetings with Georgian authorities, the opposition, and civil society groups, she addressed democratic development, electoral reform, judicial reform, and how to support Georgia in its pursuit of EU and NATO membership. "I also arrive in Georgia at a crucial point and here is my message: take advantage of this opportunity to unite around what the Georgian people desire — what you've all stated you desire, which is EU and NATO membership," she stated. According to a State Department source, this idea enjoys widespread backing, and there are countless allies in the global community as well as in the local neighbourhood.
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