Chairman of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, Levan Makhashvili, responded critically but cautiously to remarks made by acting U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, who recently described a private letter from the Georgian Dream leadership to the Trump administration as “threatening, insulting, and unserious.”

“I don’t know what really drives Robin Dunnigan and why she makes such harsh assessments regarding this communication, or more broadly, Georgian-American relations,” Makhashvili stated, emphasizing that his goal is to support—not undermine—the resetting of bilateral ties.

He noted that the interview aired by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on July 6 involved a “cancelled media outlet” and a “former senior official and ambassador,” questioning its relevance. “I want to be careful in my assessments because, unlike her, I don’t want to hinder the reset of Georgia-America relations,” Makhashvili said. He called on others to show similar restraint, arguing that provocative or exaggerated statements could damage ongoing diplomatic efforts.

While refusing to delve into the specifics of the controversial letter, Makhashvili rejected the claim that it contained threats. “There’s nothing to hide... I am surprised by the harshness of her remarks. I would not characterize the communication in that way.”

The MP referenced recent statements by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who questioned the appropriateness of actions taken by certain former officials and suggested the American side should reflect on its own past missteps.

Regarding the content and handling of the letter, Makhashvili said, “I cannot place unquestioning confidence in what is written or reported—especially by a television outlet labeled by the current U.S. president as a propaganda platform and cancelled accordingly.”

He expressed concern that some actors may be deliberately attempting to obstruct efforts to repair bilateral ties: “Such statements only hinder the process. I don’t know what motivates her, but I am certain that her comments do not contribute to a positive or constructive reset.”

Makhashvili concluded by reaffirming Georgia’s intent to restore relations based on shared interests and noted assurances from the American side that a new U.S. ambassador would be appointed soon. “This process will take several months, and we can only hope that common ground will be found to guide future cooperation,” he said.

The controversy follows Ambassador Dunnigan’s claims that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared a personal response to the Georgian Dream letter and requested she deliver it directly to Bidzina Ivanishvili—a meeting that was reportedly declined.