TBILISI. May 3 (Interfax) - The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying the reasons why the country's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has declined the U.S. authorities' invitation to visit the United States.
"The U.S. ambassador's statement was published today, saying that high-ranking representatives of the Georgian government were invited to the U.S., but the Georgian side declined [the invitation]. In this context, we'd like to clarify that the Georgian prime minister was invited to the U.S. with a reservation that prior to the visit the Georgian parliament would have to suspend its debate on the Transparency of Foreign Influence bill," the ministry said.
Conducting a visit with reservations is incompatible with the spirit of partnership, which should be based on mutual respect and trust, the ministry said, adding that a detailed explanation was provided to the U.S. embassy.
Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi circulated a statement by U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan, saying that the Georgian government declined the invitation to attend a meeting in the U.S. on strategic partnership issues and U.S. assistance for Georgia.
"I am deeply concerned that in recent weeks the Georgian government's choices have moved the country away from its Euro-Atlantic future, a destination desired by the overwhelming majority of Georgians. Unfortunately, the ruling party appears determined to advance legislation that the EU has clearly said is incompatible with Georgia's EU aspirations," Dunnigan said.
The U.S. Department of State, in turn, said that the foreign influence transparency bill and the Georgian Dream ruling party's anti-Western rhetoric put Georgia "on a precarious trajectory".
"The statements and actions of the Georgian government are incompatible with the democratic values that underpin membership in the EU and NATO and thus jeopardize Georgia's path to Euro-Atlantic integration," the Department of State said in a statement.
"The intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia's vibrant civil society," it said.
"Comments mischaracterizing foreign assistance in Georgia" that the West has been providing for 32 years to strengthen the country's economy and democracy "fundamentally undermine the strong relationship we have developed with the government and people of Georgia," it said.
The Department of State also condemned "the use of violence against peaceful protests, including against journalists" and urges authorities "to allow non-violent protesters to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression."
Prime Minister Kobakhidze on Wednesday announced the final endorsement of the foreign influence transparency bill in several weeks' time,
The bill was adopted in the second reading on May 8. The parliament is due to vote on it in the third and final reading on May 17.