US Ambassador on Frontera case: we welcome the decision of the Georgian government

"This is a good sign that the Georgian government is open to communication with the company. Therefore, it would be good if this issue is resolved through dialogue and agreement", Kelly Degnan said. Photo: US Embassy in Georgia.

Agenda.ge, 24 Jul 2020 - 15:24, Tbilisi,Georgia

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan says the US welcomes the decision of the government of Georgia regarding the Frontera Resources case.

This is a good sign that the Georgian government is open to communication with the company. Therefore, it would be good if this issue is resolved through dialogue and agreement", Degnan said.

Yesterday the Georgian government announced its decision not to terminate its contract with Frontera Resources Georgia Corporation despite Georgia’s right to do so and to allow the company to continue operating in part of the original contract area. 

Frontera agreed to return 99 per cent of the search area, while the state decided to allow the company to continue its activities on the remaining one per cent.

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said today that Georgia had the legal right to argue with the remaining one per cent but refused to 'start this process' because the investment climate of Georgia and its business environment 'is extremely important for us and we should not allow anyone to question this investment environment by spreading false information'.

Gakharia also said that there are Georgian people employed at Frontera and 'we had to protect their interests as well'.