The USA canceled the invitation of Prime Minister of Georgia Kobakhidze to receive Biden
The American administration has canceled the invitation of the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze to the traditional reception organized by the US President Joe Biden for world leaders and high-ranking UN officials in New York. About this informs the Georgian service of “Voice of America”.
Initially, Kobakhidze, who heads the Georgian delegation to the UN General Assembly, was included in the list of invitees to receive the US president, but later his invitation was revoked. The information was confirmed by both a senior administration official and a source in the US Congress.
In addition to rescinding the invitation, the Biden administration decided to cancel all scheduled meetings with the Georgian delegation, including meetings with Kobakhidze himself. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also refused to attend the meeting.
One of the representatives of the US administration noted that the actions and statements of the Georgian government demonstrate “shocking disrespect for democracy and the will of the Georgian people.” However, he refrained from giving details about individual diplomatic negotiations.
According to the Voice of America, this decision was made due to a number of anti-democratic actions of the Georgian government, including the adoption of the law on “foreign agents”, the persecution of NGOs “Transparency International – Georgia” and “Choose Europe”, as well as statements by pro-government forces about a possible ban opposition parties.
Sources indicate that recent communications with the Georgian government have not given the American administration confidence in changing Tbilisi’s political course. On the contrary, the government of Georgia continues to take steps that demonstrate its disregard for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the country and the will of its citizens.
Irakliy Kobakhidze himself called the cancellation of his invitation to meet with President Biden “not serious”. He explained that he initially received the invitation only three days ago and then it was cancelled. According to Kobakhidze, this step was aimed at supporting the opposition, but will not have a practical effect.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilya Darchiashvili, also expressed his dissatisfaction, calling this decision “incomprehensible” and one that does not contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Georgia and the United States.
