Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has expressed concern over diminishing prospects for a political settlement with the United States, following recent diplomatic exchanges. Referring to communications between the U.S. Embassy and Georgian figures, Zourabichvili said these messages suggest that “hope for a settlement is rapidly fading,” but she framed the current political climate as “a struggle that will ultimately bring victory.”

In comments made after a meeting between the opposition-led Resistance Platform and a European Parliament delegation visiting Georgia, Zourabichvili said the discussions focused on key democratic concerns:

“We discussed the country’s democratic backsliding, the situation of prisoners of conscience, and the imprisonment of political leaders.”

She emphasized that the Resistance Platform responds to the call from Georgia’s international partners for a viable political alternative:

“There will never be a vacuum in this country after today’s government – in reality, the regime – collapses.”

Zourabichvili claimed that ruling party founder and Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili is losing key allies:

“He is losing people who were trusted and close to him. Today, we see more clearly the process of collapse and upheaval.”

She argued that international sanctions are beginning to take effect:

“Sanctions work slowly at first and then at an accelerated pace.”

The U.S. Embassy in Georgia confirmed today that Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, at the request of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sought a meeting with Ivanishvili on May 22. Ivanishvili declined, stating:

“Against the backdrop of personal blackmail, I believe that a meeting with the ambassador and discussions on state affairs are inappropriate.”

Zourabichvili concluded by urging continued resolve:

“We must be even more confident in ourselves than ever before. Confident that this struggle is a righteous struggle and it will ultimately bring victory.”