Refusing to meet with the American ambassador is a refusal of strategic partnership and friendship with America, and of all the benefits that Georgia has received from its Western partners over the past 34 years, — this was stated by Giorgi Vashadze, leader of “Strategy - Aghmashenebeli,” in response to information released by the U.S. Embassy, according to which Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” declined a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. 

According to Giorgi Vashadze, the decision made by Bidzina Ivanishvili will lead to more sanctions and poverty.

“Refusing to meet with the American ambassador is a refusal of strategic partnership and friendship with America and of all the benefits Georgia has received from Western partners over the last 34 years.

This was a very important message from the Trump administration, urging Bidzina Ivanishvili to reject violence, fraudulent elections, and the seizure of power, and to return the country to the Western civilization family through new, democratic, and fair elections.

Bidzina Ivanishvili rejected this opportunity.

This means only one thing — Georgia remains alone, even more vulnerable, which will lead to more sanctions, more isolation, more poverty, and force even more Georgians to leave the country.

This is not politics. This is a deliberate hostile step and betrayal. When the regime sells its soul to the devil, we need more unity and more courage,” Giorgi Vashadze said.

For reference, the U.S. Embassy released a statement saying that Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” refused a meeting with Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. According to the embassy, the ambassador was supposed to deliver a message from the Trump administration to Bidzina Ivanishvili.