Opposition leader Dekanoidze: Georgia must meet democratic standards expected by US

One of the leaders of the United National Movement, Khatia Dekanoidze, has said that any country seeking to maintain the interest and partnership of the United States should be aligned with the standards that Washington considers normal and democratic.

Dekanoidze argued that the ruling Georgian Dream party has failed to heed repeated messages from the United States and is depriving the country of opportunities for development and prosperity.

“A normal country in which the United States may have an interest should be close to the standards that America regards as normal. We should not forget that the United States has a significant presence in the South Caucasus. Therefore, the basic standards that are clearly outlined in official statements must be met in order for relations between Georgia and the United States to remain civilised and based on common standards,” Dekanoidze said.

She accused Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and the ruling party of undermining Georgia’s future prospects.

“Today, Ivanishvili and the anti-Georgian Georgian Dream have deprived Georgia of the function of long-term peace, development and economic prosperity. They have taken away from the Georgian people the opportunity for greater wellbeing, economic advancement and European integration. This is a historic crime,” she stated.

Dekanoidze also pointed to developments in neighbouring Armenia, saying that Georgia has lost the regional leadership role it once enjoyed.

“If we look at what is happening in our neighbouring Armenia, and I would like to wish them every success, we can see that the role Georgia once had as a regional leader and a hub for numerous sustainable peace projects no longer exists,” she said.

Dekanoidze noted individuals who played a part in key stages of Georgia’s development are now witnessing the country lose its strategic position due to what she described as Ivanishvili’s actions and the policies of Georgian Dream.

“Everyone who was involved in the most important stages of Georgia’s development is now watching how the country is losing this role because of Ivanishvili’s actions and the anti-Georgian policies of Georgian Dream,” she added.