**US Expert Slams Georgia’s Government**
A US expert has spoken out against the Georgian government, saying that it is illegitimate and authoritarian. Bob Hamilton, an American Army reserve colonel and director of the Eurasia program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, made these comments in an interview with Voice of America.
Hamilton said that any official communication with the Georgian government legitimizes it. He also stated that military assistance should be stopped for the government. The US expert explained that Georgia’s significance to Western governments was based on its progress towards democratization and civil society. However, if this process ends, Georgia will become less important to the West.
**NATO’s Mistake**
Hamilton criticized NATO’s Secretary General for wishing Prime Minister Kobakhidze a Happy New Year. He said that this was unacceptable because it legitimized the Georgian government. Hamilton suggested that the only thing that should be wished for Kobakhidze is a safe flight to Moscow when his government collapses and is replaced by one that represents the will of the Georgian people.
**US Sanctions**
The US Treasury Department‘s sanctioning of Bidzina Ivanishvili was also discussed. Hamilton stated that this step was overdue and could have been taken 6 months or a year ago. He said that sanctioning Ivanishvili is a de facto recognition that he controls the country. The US expert welcomed the sanctions, saying that they send a signal to the Georgian government about America’s view of Georgia’s trajectory.
**More Sanctions Needed**
Hamilton suggested that extending sanctions to Ivanishvili’s family and close associates could increase the price for him and his family. He noted that this is what has been done in Russia and some other countries. The US expert concluded that if more needs to be done, the sanctions could be extended to Ivanishvili’s circle.
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