Question about the event
Ambassador Degnan: For 30 years, the United States has been working with Georgia to help develop the economy, and the partnership that we’re forging today with the American Chamber of Commerce and the key hospitality industries here is an important part of that. This is designed to help Georgia’s tourism and hospitality sector recover from the pandemic, create more jobs, and better jobs; and raise the standard of tourism services offered here to attract an even higher type of tourist. Georgia has so much to offer in the tourism industry, and the United States is very proud to be part of helping to build that sector.
Question about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s case with Credit Suisse Bank
Ambassador Degnan: For questions regarding Credit Suisse, I think it’s better that you ask Credit Suisse. As you said, it’s a private bank, and I don’t have information about what’s going on inside Credit Suisse. I found that comment very confusing and I think comments that have no basis in fact, that are said in a way that creates confusion in the public are very unhelpful. It’s the kind of disinformation that I think just ends up creating confusion and ultimately dividing people. This is a time when Georgia needs to be coming together, not dividing. This is a time for unity. So, I really was confused by what that comment was about, and I’m not in a position to clarify for you. I’m sorry.
Question on the Rustavi court case
Ambassador Degnan: I didn’t hear a verdict today, so I don’t want to address hypothetical situations, but we have said many times that it’s important that legal cases like this avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest or political interference. That is just fundamental to the public having confidence in whatever the verdict is. I’ll leave it at that. Thank you very much.