The News in Brief
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Embassy in Georgia Refutes State Security Service's Allegations Against USAID, Emphasizes Commitment to Georgian People
The US Embassy in Georgia addressed allegations made by the State Security Service against USAID. The embassy firmly denied these accusations, describing them as false and not representative of the true objectives of their assistance in Georgia. The embassy emphasized its long history of supporting the Georgian people since 1992 and stressed the transparency of its assistance efforts.
"Allegations made publicly today against one of our assistance projects are false and fundamentally mischaracterize the goals of our assistance to Georgia. USAID has been supporting the Georgian people since 1992. As always, our assistance is transparent, and we welcome any opportunities to discuss any concerns the government may have.
The right of citizens to freely voice their concerns and aspirations is foundational to any democracy and is a value shared by both of our countries. USAID has collaborated with CANVAS for more than two years to help people to speak up for the issues that matter to their families and communities. We have partnered with CANVAS to deliver training to mothers advocating for better cancer treatments for children, and to people advocating for the rights of elderly citizens in their communities.
Despite these unwarranted attacks, we will continue to support Georgian organizations who support people to secure the future they determine and deserve and to secure their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Georgian constitution," reads the US Embassy's statement.
Prime Minister Addresses State Security Service's Accusations Against USAID and Canvas-Georgia
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili addressed the State Security Service's accusations against USAID and Canvas-Georgia, stating that he "will not allow destructive forces to harm the country again." According to him, this occurred for the first time in 2003 with the Rose Revolution.
"It is concerning that citizens from a foreign state come to our country and conduct training sessions here, all under the guise of providing education to individuals in the field of art and culture. Meanwhile, they are promoting calls and training on how to stage a revolution and overthrow the government through violent means. It appears that these individuals have not learned anything new and are incapable of adapting to the present. Despite so many years having passed, they remain stuck in the past, seemingly thinking it's still 2003. However, it's now 2023, and we have been in power for over 11 years. Rest assured, we will not allow any disruptions or destabilization in our country caused by these non-existent, destructive, and radical forces. I want to emphasize that today, our state is strong," stated the Prime Minister.
US Embassy in Georgia Refutes State Security Service's Allegations Against USAID, Emphasizes Commitment to Georgian People
"Allegations made publicly today against one of our assistance projects are false and fundamentally mischaracterize the goals of our assistance to Georgia. USAID has been supporting the Georgian people since 1992. As always, our assistance is transparent, and we welcome any opportunities to discuss any concerns the government may have.
The right of citizens to freely voice their concerns and aspirations is foundational to any democracy and is a value shared by both of our countries. USAID has collaborated with CANVAS for more than two years to help people to speak up for the issues that matter to their families and communities. We have partnered with CANVAS to deliver training to mothers advocating for better cancer treatments for children, and to people advocating for the rights of elderly citizens in their communities.
Despite these unwarranted attacks, we will continue to support Georgian organizations who support people to secure the future they determine and deserve and to secure their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Georgian constitution," reads the US Embassy's statement.
Prime Minister Addresses State Security Service's Accusations Against USAID and Canvas-Georgia
"It is concerning that citizens from a foreign state come to our country and conduct training sessions here, all under the guise of providing education to individuals in the field of art and culture. Meanwhile, they are promoting calls and training on how to stage a revolution and overthrow the government through violent means. It appears that these individuals have not learned anything new and are incapable of adapting to the present. Despite so many years having passed, they remain stuck in the past, seemingly thinking it's still 2003. However, it's now 2023, and we have been in power for over 11 years. Rest assured, we will not allow any disruptions or destabilization in our country caused by these non-existent, destructive, and radical forces. I want to emphasize that today, our state is strong," stated the Prime Minister.