US Ambassador: Allegations shouldn’t tarnish Georgian military’s proud reputation

"The United States (US) has been proud to partner with the Georgian military on numerous peacekeeping initiatives.”

These were the words spoken by US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly following allegations that Georgian soldiers on a peacekeeping mission were involved in the alleged sexual abuse of children in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Kelly praised Georgia’s Defence Ministry for "taking this seriously” and launching an investigation into the alleged incident.

"We have seen the media reports and are pleased the Ministry of Defence is taking this seriously and launching an investigation into the allegations raised by the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights,” the Ambassador said in a written statement published on the US Embassy’s website.

"The US has been proud to partner with the Georgian military on numerous peacekeeping initiatives, and it would be a shame if the allegations were allowed to tarnish the Georgian military’s proud reputation.”

The Defence Ministry yesterday announced it had temporarily stood down six employees, including a Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, after allegations emerged yesterday that Georgian soldiers were involved in the alleged sexual abuse while serving in the CAR.

The Ministry underlined it was cooperating with the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (UNCHR) investigation into the alleged abuse by service members of Georgian peacekeeping forces in 2014.

Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli told reporters following yesterday's National Security Council meeting that staff overseeing Georgia's involvement in the CAR peacekeeping mission had been suspended while investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Read more about the Ministry’s position and the UNCHR’s allegations here.