DISINFO: The US forbids Georgia to engage in direct dialogue with Russia
SUMMARY
The West, and particularly the US, is strongly opposing Georgia acting in its own interests and engaging in direct dialogue with Russia in order to return the lost territories and develop the economy. The “strategic partner” is prohibiting Georgia from having a dialogue with Russia.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative undermining the Georgian statehood, as if like puppets Georgia is ruled by the West.
Contrary to the claim, the US does not prohibit Georgia from engaging in a dialogue with Russia. Georgia broke off diplomatic relations with Russia because the latter attacked Georgia in 2008.
Russia continues its military presence in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of international law and commitments undertaken by Russia under the 12 August 2008 agreement, mediated by the European Union.
Many international organisations condemn the further occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, see e.g. the CSCE statement here and the European Parliament's declaration.
Currently, Georgia engages with Russia at the Geneva International Discussions (GID) – the multilateral forum to address security and humanitarian consequences of the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008, attended by Georgia’s Western partners as well. Moreover, Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze and Russian former Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin hold regular meetings, often referred to as Abashidze-Karasin format.