The US State Department has confirmed that it requested a meeting with Georgia’s Ambassador to Washington, Tamar Taliashvili, to protest what it described as the Georgian government’s amplification of false media claims.
In a written response to Netgazeti, a State Department official stated that the meeting was requested after senior Georgian officials repeated allegations linking the US to supposed revolutionary financing from Thailand.
“Instead of seeking clarification, senior Georgian government officials chose to amplify these false media reports, creating an atmosphere of harassment and intimidation for current and former US Embassy employees,” the statement reads.
The State Department emphasized that its Global Financial Services Center in Bangkok carries out routine, transparent transfers worldwide to support US government operations. These include payroll for American and local staff, contractors, partner governments, and other recipients, all in compliance with US and host country laws.
The controversy began after pro-government broadcaster Imedi TV aired a report, echoed by ruling party officials, alleging that funds were being channeled from Thailand to support “revolutionary activities” in Georgia through the US Embassy. On October 1, State Security Service head Mamuka Mdinaradze told Imedi that authorities had “uncovered channels” of foreign financing, claiming that up to 98% of such funds were used for radical, anti-government purposes. Parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtzkhalia also suggested that American taxpayers’ money was being misused.
The Georgian government has not denied that Taliashvili met with US officials but has insisted it did not constitute a formal diplomatic summons. Kirtzkhalia went further on October 7, questioning the reliability of Radio Liberty’s sources and downplaying the US Embassy’s public comments as “misrepresentations.”
The US Embassy in Tbilisi, however, reiterated its “deep concern” over the situation, condemning what it called “irresponsible dissemination of false information” by Georgian officials, which it said had fueled a campaign of intimidation based entirely on disinformation.
Related story: US summons Georgian Ambassador over government’s “revolution financing” claims
