Georgian PM says strengthening US, EU relations gov’t task, “personal” obligation”

Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said it was his government's task and his “personal obligation” to “maintain and strengthen” relations with the United States and the European Union “as much as possible”.

In his remarks before the Georgian parliament, Garibashvili noted the country had a “strategic partnership” with the United States and noted the relationship had been in place since Georgia’s gaining of independence in the 1990s.

“Our obligation, and my personal one, is to maintain and strengthen as much as possible our partnership [and] friendly relations with our main strategic partner the United States, European Union, European states and not only with them. We have very good relations with everyone in the region”, Garibashvili said.

“So my position is simple and unequivocal. There is no reason for speculation here - we have a strategic partnership with the United States, a relationship that started when our country gained independence”, he continued.

The head of the government also commented on statements by members of the People’s Power public movement, who have accused US ambassador Kelly Degnan’s office of interference in Georgian courts and other actions, by saying statements towards the diplomat should be “more moderate”.

“If there are questions, they should be posed, but of course, we cannot violate moderation.  We are a small state, but with very strong people. We are an ancient nation with more than 3000 years of history, our own culture, civilisation, language and faith, and we need very pragmatic, reasonable and moderate action and policy making - that is my position”, he concluded in comments to MPs.