Ian Kelly and David Kramer: The government in Georgia is clearly leaning toward Moscow; The Trump administration must urgently appoint a new ambassador, and the Senate should pass the “MEGOBARI Act"

To demonstrate solidarity with the majority of Georgians, Donald Trump should appoint a new ambassador, and the Senate should pass the “MEGOBARI Act.”

This was stated in a joint article by former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly and former senior U.S. State Department official David Kramer.

The statement notes that the population of Georgia is one of the most pro-American, but its government is “clearly leaning toward Moscow” and is increasingly behaving like the Russian regime by exerting pressure on the Georgian opposition and civil society. Against this backdrop, Kramer and Kelly believe that such developments make it “crucial for the Trump administration to promptly appoint” a replacement for Robin Dunnigan—someone who will “firmly speak out against the authoritarian and pro-Russian behavior of the Georgian government.”

Furthermore, they argue that the U.S., together with European partners, should redouble efforts to bring Georgia back to a democratic, pro-Western path, as “a window of opportunity exists since Russia is losing influence in the region.”

“The United States soon will be without an ambassador in the country of Georgia, as Robin Dunnigan ends her tenure there, even though, for years, Georgia has been a key partner to America in a difficult neighborhood, and its population has been among the most pro-American in the region. The Georgian people still hold such views, but the government clearly tilts toward Moscow and is increasingly behaving like the Russian regime in its crackdown on the Georgian opposition and civil society.

Such dynamics make it imperative for the Trump administration to quickly nominate a replacement for Dunnigan – one who will speak out forcefully against the Georgian government’s authoritarian and pro-Russian behavior. The U.S. Senate, for its part, should confirm a qualified candidate who meets that test. It also must pass legislation already approved by the House on May 5 that would hold Georgian officials accountable for their anti-American actions and demonstrate U.S. concern for their country’s slide toward authoritarian rule.

The United States, together with European allies, should redouble efforts to get Georgia back on a democratic, pro-Western path. There’s a window of opportunity because Russia is losing influence in the region. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have soured on their ties to Moscow. And Ukraine, of course, is fending off Russia’s brutal invasion.

To show solidarity with most Georgians, the Trump administration should appoint a new ambassador, and the Senate should pass the MEGOBARI Act. Both steps are needed urgently before Ivanishvili and GD do more harm to their people and before the United States loses an important regional partner permanently,” the statement reads.