Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists on Wednesday that resetting Georgian-American relations requires “a healthy and fair approach”, although sanctions “do not contribute” to that.

Kobakhidze went on to say that the sanctions aimed at “destroying” Georgian-American relations.

“Such measures and decisions do not aid to restore relations. You will recall that there were serious difficulties in this relationship during the last four years due to the previous ambassador’s activities. Relationships must undoubtedly be reset.

Resetting relations necessitates a healthy and equitable approach; unfortunately, such actions and decisions do not contribute to resetting relations, particularly when sanctions are imposed on high-ranking police officers, those who fought in the August battle. This is a grave insult to our country, and it is completely unacceptable to us.

I voiced my concern to the American ambassador, and I made it plain that if another step is added, we will have to have a principled discussion about revisiting specific stances. We find it profoundly unacceptable that the state, which is referred to as both a partner and a strategic partner, has a non-partner attitude. As a result, I encourage everyone to act reasonably and fairly. This will help Georgian-American relations,” Kobakhidze noted.

The PM expressed hope that “yesterday’s decision will be the last in the direction of destroying relations.”

“I hope such decisions will not be made in the future. I expressed this hope at the meeting with the US ambassador. I would like to personally thank Mrs. Ambassador for her constructive attitude, however, it seems that her constructive attitude is not enough to make healthy decisions as a whole, which is very sad”, Kobakhidze added.