Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has responded to a statement made by Jake Sullivan, U.S. National security advisor, highlighting Georgia‘s 3,000 year history of independence, and rejecting the notion that the nation could be “pledged”.
Kobakhidze made his remarks in response to Sullivan’s statement about concerns regarding Georgia’s electoral process and its sovereignty. Sullivan said, “I don’t think anyone in Georgia wants to give their country over as a guarantee to any other country, including China.”
Kobakhidze, during a media interview, said: “Georgia has a 3,000 year history. For 3,000 years no one has been able pledge this country. It hasn’t even been discussed in these terms.” He found the term “pledge”, which implies a commitment, offensive. He emphasized that Georgia has always maintained its sovereignty and independence.
Kobakhidze said, “The country is not pledged to anyone since 30,000 years. No one can pledge it.”
Sullivan’s comments followed concerns about Georgia’s election process and its path towards democracy. He stressed that Georgia’s destiny should be determined by a fair and free process, and that no country should have an undue influence on Georgia’s independence, including China.
Kobakhidze said that after the elections and the end to the war in Ukraine Georgia’s relationship with the U.S. would enter a new stage, adding, “Nobody will stop talking about Georgia.” He rejected any suggestion Georgia should align with external interests that would compromise its sovereignty.
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