US State Department reflects on political events in Georgia

The United States (US) Department of State released a special statement on the dismissal and resignation of several Georgian Government officials.

State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki called for the Georgian Government to take steps to dispel perceptions that the judicial system was being used for political purposes and provide stability and unity in democratic institutions.

"At a time of regional turmoil and domestic economic challenge, it is in Georgia’s interest to demonstrate stability, unity, commitment to due process and the rule of law, and public confidence in democratic institutions,” read the statement.

"We urge all parties to work towards these goals and to focus on securing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future. We call upon the Georgian Government to take steps to dispel perceptions that the judicial system is being used for political purposes, and to demonstrate its commitment to our shared democratic values.”

Psaki emphasized that the US State Department "greatly appreciated” the work of the three ministers who left their duties this week - ex-Defence Minister Irakli Alasania, ex-Foreign Affairs Maia Panjikidze and former State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alex Petriashvili – for their service to their country and their partnership with the US.