“The Georgian population, we believe that the U.S. is a friend and partner country. However, similar interferences are damaging for our relations,” said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze in response to the question if he felt responsible for the consequences of sanctions to be imposed by the U.S. risking ending of relations with the strategic partner. 

According to Kaladze, sanctions linked to visas were not understandable. 

“The parliament, which was elected by the majority of the Georgian population, adopts a law, which only concerns transparency. When this is pressured, then we are neither partners nor friends, we are enemies. This is grave and bad because the Georgian population and we believe that the U.S. is a friend and partner country. However, similar interferences are damaging to our relations. That is why these relations require reset,” he said. 

In Kaladze’s words, it is regrettable that partner countries tend to choose dual standards in relations with Georgia. 

“We are to be blamed, not only the current government, for what was happening for the last decade. We don’t know our price, we don’t value our country, motherland and therefore, others will have the same attitude. If you don’t value your country, you won’t be valued by others. We see the consequence but I am sure everything will be fine,” he said.

Tbilisi Mayor said he was interested if France adopted a similar law, then why Georgia could not pass a law “only demanding transparency.”