I am so interested in resetting Georgian-American relations that I even informed the American side that I was ready to spend the blocked funds not for personal purposes, but for any purpose they dictated, since money has never been my interest, neither before nor now, - this is what the Honorary Chairman of “Georgian Dream” states in a statement he released, in which he explains why he refused to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan.

As Ivanishvili noted, every leader of the Georgian government expresses full readiness to actively engage in the process of resetting Georgian-American relations, should the American side show genuine interest.

“When the informal sanctions were temporarily suspended last autumn and certain funds were released, I personally offered a meeting to the American ambassador. She initially agreed, but postponed the meeting several times and eventually declined altogether.

I am so interested in resetting Georgian-American relations that I even informed the American side that I was ready to spend the blocked funds not for personal purposes, but for any purpose they dictated, since money has never been my interest, neither before nor now. I made it clear that the blocked funds create, on the one hand, a sense of vulnerability, and on the other hand, a determination not to make any decision under blackmail. However, I received no response on this matter. Accordingly, it became clear to me that the Biden administration is not actually interested in the funds themselves, but rather in using them as leverage for blackmail.

I also want to clarify that along with my refusal, I offered the ambassador a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia. The Prime Minister is under neither formal nor informal sanctions, and therefore he has no personal concerns related to blackmail. However, the ambassador declined this offer as well, which reinforces our belief that they see personal blackmail as the main factor in the potential decisions the Georgian side might make in relation to state interests.

They might argue that as the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling party, I have a special influence on decision-making. However, I want to assure you that no principled decision is made in the ruling party without the involvement of the team and, above all, the Prime Minister. Therefore, the request for a meeting with me alone can only be explained by the fact that such a meeting would only have value in the context of personal blackmail.

I hope the American embassy will respond positively to the Georgian government’s offer to start Georgian-American strategic partnership from a clean slate with a clear roadmap for renewal. Every leader of the Georgian government expresses full readiness to actively engage in the process of resetting Georgian-American relations, should the American side demonstrate genuine interest,” Ivanishvili’s statement reads.