Anti-American action in Georgia

Irakly Okruashvili criticizes US policies

Addressing viewers of the “Maestro” TV channel, one of the leaders of the Georgian opposition, the head of the “Georgian Party” Irakly Okruashvili, said that the territory of the US embassy in Georgia is “a source of waste that all Georgians get sick from.” Thus Okruashvili, who has been living in France as a refugee for several years, announced an anti-American demonstration in Georgia.

Such rhetoric is uncommon in Georgia, where politicians of all sorts believe that the USA is the country that helped Georgia to achieve and to maintain its independence. Even pro-Russian marginal politicians never use such rhetoric when speaking about America. However, it’s quite natural for Okruashvili, who is notorious for his outrageous behavior.

The US Embassy is situated in the suburbs of Tbilisi. Young activists of the “Georgian Party” arrived there two hours before the demonstration and painted their faces in the colours of the US flag, spelling out “Wake up, America” on their cheeks. All in all there were only 200 people at this demonstration.

US diplomats serving in Georgia were surprised when Georgian TV channels reacted in a very nervous way. According to a US embassy staff member, American officials respect the Georgian people’s right to demonstrate their disapproval of US policy. 

Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to VK