Pentagon: The spokesperson of the USA Defence Ministry, Patrick Ryder once again blamed Georgian officials for cancelling the Noble Partner exercise. He claimed that the main reason for the cancellation was a fake allegation by a Georgian official against the USA.
Patrick Ryder was speaking to a representative of the media house. According to him the other reason was the false allegation by the Georgian official against the USA that it is trying to create unrest in the region.
While rejecting the Georgian side’s claims he specifically added, “ It was very shocking to see that a false narrative was created against the USA. The continued anti-USA rhetoric is not acceptable at all. Moreover it is not the USA but Russia that is fuelling tension in the region while speeding up the attack on Ukraine.”
While expressing hopes for better bilateral relations, Ryden said that we always look to strengthen our bilateral relations with the Republic of Georgia and value Georgia’s partnership. Georgia’s role can not be ignored and we also acknowledge that the anti-USA allegation without any basis is not acceptable.
It is worth mentioning that the US Department of Defense announced the postponement of the Noble partner exercise in Georgia on July 5 earlier this month. At the same time no specific time period was announced; rather, the exercise was postponed for an indefinite time.
The noble partner exercise was scheduled to be held from July 25 to August 6 this year. It has been held bilaterally since 2016. The spokesperson confirmed that the decision was taken as the USA initiated a review of U.S.-Georgia bilateral relations following the adoption of the foreign agent law.
It should be added that although both countries shared cordial peaceful relations, the recent protest in Georgia affected the relationship to some extent. The protestors opposed the adoption of foreign agent law. Protestors alleged that the law would stifle independent media voices. Many countries, including the USA expressed their deep concern over the law and government’s crackdown against peaceful protestors.
