The creation of scapegoats and fighting them in order to maintain power is a repeating strategy of dictators, reads the statement released by the US Embassy in Georgia.

According to the statement, dictators are also known for repeating each other's mistakes. Putin tells his people that the entire civilized world is their enemy and that only he stands on the path to truth. Putin’s enemies are pregnant women, whom he bombs inside maternity wards, small children and elderly people who sing to each other in shelters to find comfort, and people who choose freedom.

Parliament’s decision to intentionally pass wiretapping legislation that expands the government’s ability to monitor its citizens does not comply with European standards and is against the clear recommendations of the Venice Commission and Western partners. This law moves Georgia away from European integration, not towards it.

Today’s ruling, in the cases of Gvaramia, Iashvili, and Damenia, calls into question Georgia’s commitment to rule of law, and further demonstrates the fundamental importance of having an independent, impartial judiciary in Georgia. From its inception, this case has raised questions, including about the timing and the charges. The disturbing pattern of selective investigations and prosecutions targeting those in opposition to the current government undermines the public’s confidence in the police, prosecution, the courts, and the government itself. Particularly at this time, when Georgia has an unprecedented opportunity to advance its Euro-Atlantic integration, even the perception of politicized prosecution is detrimental. It is the United States’ firm position that a healthy democracy depends on ensuring judicial independence and protecting media freedom. That is why we have repeatedly called for the government to undertake comprehensive reforms to advance these fundamental democratic principles.

In wounded warrior care, access to skilled professionals is as important as modern facilities and equipment. Throughout our 30-year cooperation, the U.S. mission has been helping with both. The 2,000 square meter Maro Makashvili Rehabilitation Center _ constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers _ continues to provide all necessary spaces, equipment, and services as we continue to support the center in expanding its capacity. The U.S. Mission was honored to host subject matter experts from the Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Europe and Africa Office of the Command Surgeon, Defense Health Engagement, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Traumatic Brain Injury Program to work with Georgian Ministry of Defense and Rehabilitation Center representatives on finding the best ways for warriors to recover.

By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 

On 22 February 2022, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia held an online briefing dedicated to the motto of 2022 “Epoch of people with Arkadag” and the upcoming presidential elections in Turkmenistan scheduled for 12 March 2022.

The briefing was attended by journalists of “TV-24”, “The Georgian Business Week”, news agency “News Day Georgia”, online media “Geoecohub”, newspapers of “Resonance”, “Multinational Georgia”, “Free Georgia”, “Komsomolskaya Pravda”, political scientists, representatives of Georgian Technical University, Grigol Robakidze University and Georgian National Academy of Science.

In his speech, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Mr. D.Muratov noted that the slogan of 2022 “Epoch of people with Arkadag” became an expression of national love and respect for the Hero-President who founded a happy era and leads Turkmenistan to new achievements.

During the briefing, it was also emphasized that fundamental transformations carried out in all the areas of the country’s life in the epoch of might and happiness, are reflected in the successfully implemented human policy of the President of Turkmenistan “The State is for people”.

The journalists were also informed that the preparations for the presidential elections are being actively carried out in the country and abroad, and that a polling station will be open in the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia.

At the end of the event, the participants thanked the Embassy of Turkmenistan for organizing and conducting the briefing and wished Turkmenistan to continue its glorious path to new achievements and successes.

On December 25, 1991, in his holiday address to the people of the United States, President George H. W. Bush announced the United States' recognition of Georgian independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

In the 30 years since, Georgia and the United States have grown to become steadfast strategic partners, cooperating across a broad spectrum of issues in the name of a Georgia and Europe whole and free and at peace.

US Embassy in Georgia

The U.S. Embassy is disappointed that, once again, Parliament is moving forward with Supreme Court appointments before it has completed an independent assessment of the previous waves of judicial reform, as Parliament’s leaders agreed to do.  We are also concerned that judicial appointments are proceeding without the participation of non-judge members of the High Council of Justice. While the High Council and Parliament have rushed through appointment of judges over the past year, there has been no action on non-judge appointments despite the positions being vacant for months. The people of Georgia, through the non-judge High Council members, are supposed to have a voice in the selection of these influential and important judges, who are being appointed to lifetime positions on the Supreme Court. The exclusion of independent voices from this process adds to the impression that Supreme Court judicial appointments are being made without meaningful transparency, accountability, or impartiality.

Before any further Supreme Court judges are appointed, we strongly encourage Parliament to prioritize the appointment of impartial, independent, non-judge members to the High Council of Justice, and complete an independent assessment of the previous waves of reform by Spring 2022. Important work has been done since independence to strengthen Georgia’s judicial branch, with the assistance of the United States and others.  Georgia’s closest partners and supporters, as well as Georgia’s political leaders, are united in agreeing that judicial reform needs to continue. The goal now must be to build an impartial, transparent, merit-based judicial system that the people of Georgia can have full confidence in and that allows the full participation of the many qualified, ethical judges and lawyers who work with integrity to promote the rule of law.  

US Embassy in Tbilisi

On October 31, while the country was focused on the municipal elections, the Judiciary selected two new members to the High Council of Justice, replacing the previously unannounced early resignation of two sitting members. The process was neither competitive nor transparent. A single candidate was offered for each vacancy. There was little advance notice of the intent to fill the seats left open by the pre-term resignations. There was no opportunity for consultations or participation by a broad range of qualified candidates, nor for meaningful engagement by relevant interlocutors and civil society. It is disappointing that the Judiciary missed the opportunity to show transparency and failed again to elect its representatives through a competitive and democratic election process.

The United States has long sought to build the capacity of qualified and dedicated judges while calling for reforms that would allow for accountability for judges who undermine the legitimacy of the judicial system. This includes seeking legislative amendments to avoid corporatism and to safeguard the principles of democracy, equality, and adherence to the Rule of Law. Judiciary leaders maintain the judiciary is unfairly criticized for the lack of transparent and merit-based appointments, promotions, and transfers. Yet when the Conference of Judges rushes through important decisions without competition or transparency, it demonstrates unwillingness to embrace reforms that would increase transparency, accountability and public trust in the appointment process, the candidates, and in the High Council of Justice. The many qualified, professional members of the judiciary who are shut out by such a closed system deserve better.

An ethical Judiciary is the backbone of a country’s adherence to Rule of Law. An independent and professional judicial system that is trusted by and serves the people is essential to promoting equitable growth and attracting investment by Georgian and foreign businesses. The United States will continue to advocate for and support reforms that will increase accountability, professionalism, and transparency to help Georgia attain the system of justice its people deserve and that is fundamental for Georgia’s chosen path of Euro-Atlantic integration.