Ambassador Michael R. Carpenter, Special Advisor to President Joe Biden and Senior Director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, expressed his concerns about the political situation in Georgia during an interview with the Georgian service of Voice of America (VoA) on September 12. He emphasized that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be a critical test for the country’s democratic future and warned against the misuse of administrative resources and pressure on civil society and opposition figures, which could hinder Georgia’s democratic development.
Ambassador Carpenter stated that the U.S. has been closely monitoring Georgia’s trajectory for a long time and the recently passed Foreign Agents Law is a reflection of this concerning trend. He also expressed worry about the ruling party’s statements and actions, but stated that simply labeling them as troubling is not enough.
When asked about potential actions the U.S. may take ahead of the elections, Ambassador Carpenter did not announce any preemptive sanctions. However, he made it clear that the U.S. will hold individuals accountable for corruption, anti-Western activities, pressure on civil society, and abuse of power, as they have the necessary tools to do so.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Ambassador Carpenter expressed hope that they will be free and fair, but raised concerns about the use of administrative resources and the ruling party’s pledge to ban the opposition after the elections. He stressed the importance of a fair pre-election environment and stated that the U.S. will closely monitor the elections, including on election day.
When asked about possible Russian interference in the Georgian elections, Ambassador Carpenter acknowledged Russia’s malign influence in Europe and Georgia, but focused on the actions of the Georgian government. He stated that while it is unclear how Russia could benefit from the current situation in Georgia, it is the behavior of Georgian officials that is under scrutiny.
Ambassador Carpenter declined to comment on the U.S. elections and whether the outcome will affect U.S. policy towards Georgia. However, he emphasized that Georgia has enjoyed bipartisan support from the U.S. for many years and he expects this to continue in the future.
In terms of U.S.-Georgian relations, Ambassador Carpenter stated that each country is free to choose its own path. He reiterated that it is ultimately the Georgian people who will determine the country’s geopolitical orientation by casting their votes in October.
In conclusion, Ambassador Carpenter noted that the U.S. will continue to closely monitor the situation in Georgia and will take action against any individuals who undermine democracy and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process for the future of Georgia’s democracy.
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