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Georgia's New U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials to President Trump
Tamar Taliashvili, Georgia's newly appointed ambassador to the United States, officially presented her credentials to President Donald Trump on July 25, marking the formal start of her diplomatic mission in Washington.
According to a statement from Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taliashvili conveyed "key messages" during her meeting with Trump. She also delivered greetings from Georgia's government, including the Prime Minister and the President.
"It was a significant day for U.S.-Georgia relations," Taliashvili said in remarks shared by the Foreign Ministry. "I also shared [with President Trump] our key messages to the U.S. - messages that reflect Georgia's readiness to open a new chapter in our relations, based on mutual benefit, a firm partnership, and the further strengthening of existing people-to-people ties."
Taliashvili replaces Davit Zalkaliani, who stepped down in December 2024 following the U.S. decision to suspend its strategic partnership with Georgia. The ambassadorial post had remained vacant for eight months, during a period of growing tension between the two countries.
The presentation of credentials comes as the Georgian Dream-led government pushes for a reset in relations with Washington. Despite these efforts, high-level diplomatic engagement has remained limited. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the ruling party's founder and de facto political leader, has declined to meet with the U.S. ambassador, Robin Dunnigan, who recently ended her diplomatic service and departed Georgia.
Taliashvili's appointment is seen as an attempt to restore dialogue and rebuild trust between Tbilisi and Washington.
Former Georgian Dream MP Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges
Former Georgian Dream MP and wrestling champion Eldar (Luka) Kurtanidze has been arrested on charges of domestic violence and violating a court-issued protective order, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Kurtanidze was taken into custody after allegedly breaking into the home of his ex-wife, Khatuna Mikatsadze, in Kobuleti earlier today and assaulting her. Mikatsadze sustained multiple injuries and was diagnosed with a mild concussion.
"This is not the second, third, or even fifth time I've reported him," Mikatsadze said. "Every time I went to the police, they told me, 'It's Eldar Kurtanidze, let's not escalate-let's say it's psychological violence.' But this time they saw the physical abuse themselves."
She stated that despite having a restraining order in place, Kurtanidze was able to enter her home and physically harm her. The court had previously issued a nine-month protective order barring him from approaching her and leaving the country.
Mikatsadze also condemned the initial police response, claiming officers failed to pursue Kurtanidze immediately after the assault and instead attempted to remove her from the area.
"I gave them the address where his car was parked, but instead they came to me and said, 'Come here, we need to question you.' He keeps saying, 'I am the government, I am the state, and you are opposing the state,'" she said.
