“I hope that in the case of Georgia we will see a change in the current trajectory,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a hearing in the US House of Representatives. Rubio was responding to a question from Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, who stated:
“The illegitimate ‘Georgian Dream’ government, which supports the pro-Iranian regime and the Chinese Communist Party, poses a threat to US interests. The elections in Georgia were rigged. Furthermore, they are helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps bypass sanctions.
What do you believe needs to be done to stop the rapid radicalization supported by the ‘Georgian Dream’ government in the Republic of Georgia?”
In response, Rubio stated that the US does indeed have serious concerns, but Washington hopes to see a change in Georgia’s current course.
“As for Georgia… You are right. Everything you have listed is part of our current concerns. At the same time, they have taken certain steps that indicate a desire to improve relations with the United States.
We have explained to them what that would require and what conditions must be met. We have received some positive responses.
Therefore, we hope that in the case of Georgia, we will see a change in the trajectory it is currently on.
Of course, we understand everything you have just said, and this remains an issue for us. They asked us what is needed to improve relations with the United States. We provided an answer, and we hope that on this basis we can make progress—not only changing the trajectory of our relations with Georgia but also influencing a change in its behavior,” Rubio said.