PM Gakharia: US-Georgia relations at all time high, more goals we achieve, more demands are raised

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has responded to the concerns of two US congressmen regarding ongoing protests in Tbilisi, stating that the US-Georgia relations are at an all time high and the more goals Georgia achieves, the more demands are raised on further progress and the expectations are high. 

 Gakharia stated that Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Gerry Connolly chair the US-Georgia Friendship Group [in the House of Representatives] and the “Georgian government receives all types of criticism from them in a working regime.” 

 The US is our strategic partner and we receive all criticism from the chairs of a group of friends of Georgia, from our  allies and strategic partners in a working regime and we see no problem in this regard. Herewith, we have our position. There are certain questions and we will respond to the questions as it is the part of a positive strategic cooperation,” Gakharia said. 

Adam Kinzinger and Gerry Connolly have sent a letter to Georgian PM. 

 Gakharia stated that the Georgian parliament has already approved changes on the transition to a fully proportional electoral system starting from 2024 and the decision will not be changed. 

• Georgian FM responds to US congressmen’s concern regarding Tbilisi protests

 He said that the ruling party was the initiator of the early transition to a fully proportional electoral system starting from 2020. However, the bill was rejected in parliament. 

 This is the political process taking place in the parliament elected by the people. We are open for discussions and the discussion [with the opposition on 2020 elections] will continue,” Gakharia said. 

 Congressman Adam Kinzinger has released a letter written to Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia which included concerns on the rejection of the election bill and the government’s reaction to the protests sparked by the rejection.