Robin Dunnigan Gives First Interview as US Ambassador to Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, November 16, 2023
H.E. Robin Dunnigan gave her first interview to RFE/RL as the US Ambassador to Georgia, during which she explained the purpose and significance of the sanctions imposed on Russia. According to her, these sanctions serve multiple goals, including promoting accountability and combating corruption.
Specifically, the sanctions against Russia aim to prevent actions in support of Russia and to restrain the promotion of the Russian war machine, which is not only involved in aggression in Ukraine but also in other regions.
"Some of them are aimed at promoting accountability and fighting corruption. The purpose of sanctions against Russia is to stop actions in favor of Russia, as well as to curb the promotion of the Russian war machine, which Russia uses not only to carry out aggression in Ukraine but also elsewhere.
So, when we apply sanctions, we expect countries not only to enforce them, but also, when these individuals are citizens of specific countries, to view this as valuable information for governments to investigate potential cases of corruption by them, or, in the case of Partskhaladze, a possible instance of very close interaction with the FSB. We would advise governments, in all cases, to use our sanctions as an indication that they can investigate," said Dunnigan.
The US Ambassador highlighted the significance of constructing the Anaklia port for Georgia. She told RFE/RL that when it comes to crucial infrastructure projects for the country, it is essential for the government to have a clear understanding of its potential cooperation partners.
"As for Anaklia, the development of this port will be an important element of Georgia's serious efforts to make this country an important node in the Middle Corridor, which is now more important than ever. Who the government chooses for the development of this port is its sovereign decision.
We were just advising Georgia, as we advise any other country. When it comes to critical infrastructure, including the port, you need to know exactly who you are working with and what their long-term intentions are. And the country must ensure that this process is as transparent as possible, and when it comes to such critical infrastructure as ports, this is extremely important," said the ambassador.
RFE/RL asked Ambassador Dunnigan what the partnership agreement between Georgia and China meant for the US, to which she responded that she finds it a bit undesirable since China has closer ties to Russia, which has occupied Georgian territories.
"I must be honest: when I say that we respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, we mean it sincerely - we genuinely respect the sovereignty of Georgia.
As for the strategic partnership, I will only note that in that agreement, Georgia unequivocally recognizes China's sovereignty, but we do not see a similar approach from China towards Georgia. Meanwhile, this is a country that is getting closer to Russia. Russia has occupied part of Georgia's territory. I think it's a somewhat undesirable situation," said Dunnigan.
