Congressman Kinzinger, Georgian Parliament Speaker Meet in US
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Archil Talakvadze, together with the Parliamentary Delegation, is paying a working visit to the United States on February 5-10.
His official visit to Washington started with a meeting with congressman Adam Kinzinger, one of the co-authors of the critical letters recently sent to Georgian authorities.
During the meeting, the sides touched upon current political and economic issues.
"We are more in touch with the government than anyone else,” Kinzinger responded to a question about the position of the Georgian authorities, according to which congressmen receive inaccurate and one-sided information about the recent political developments in the country from non-governmental sources, which causes their critical approach to the ruling party Georgian Dream.
While assessing critical open letters sent to the government from Washington, state officials said the criticism was due to a lack of communication and misinformation, which they said was spread by local opposition parties.
Congressman Kinzinger claims dialogue is important to resolve any current crisis.
“Any concerns from the United States regarding Georgia are in our interest. If we didn't care about this country, if we didn't see it as an important partner for our future, we wouldn't express our concern. But we are interested. I think it is important to continue the dialogue to resolve any current crisis. We stay committed to this, we stay committed to Georgian people and finding the solution. We had a very good conversation about all our concerns and common interests. I hope we will find a common solution very soon," he said.
The Congressman says the concerns expressed by Washington should not be perceived as disappointment or anger.
“We are in touch with the government more than anyone else. When we see the causes of concern, we express it. However, it should not be perceived as disappointment or anger from our side. This is what happens between friends. We see Georgia as an extremely important country for our future. I think and hope that in turn, Georgia also sees the United States as a very important country," he noted.
Asked about the electoral system in Georgia after a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Kinzinger said he would not elaborate on details, but noted that "it is time for dedication to resume working to ensure that democracy in Georgia works as it has worked for so long."
Archil Talakvadze said that US Congress shows trust, support and optimism to Georgia and the partnership relations between the two countries are not under threat.
"I was pleased to hear that Georgia has strong support in Congress," Chairman of Georgian Parliament told reporters. He noted that Georgia is America's most reliable partner in the region and this partnership will not be under threat in the future.
"Questions raised and concerns expressed in the letters by members of Congress indicate that there is a high level of interest and expectations to Georgia, as a country with tangible progress each year in security, democracy, economy and other important areas", he said, adding that the congressmen received full information on the issues that were highlighted in the letters.
“We came here with answers. This is the position of friends and we perceive it as friends' opinion," Talakvadze concluded.
By Ana Dumbadze
Related Story: Two More US Senators Send Letter to Georgia's PM