The United States has condemned “the attacks by protesters on members of Parliament, including the Speaker” in an incident that took place outside the Parliament on June 12.

The statement released by the embassy in Tbilisi says that the United States “regrets the decision of some protest leaders to endorse these assaults on both people and property.”

“These actions undermine the protest leaders’ prior statements calling for non-violent action.  These attacks both interfered with official activities and crossed a line from free expression of opinion to criminal activity.  We ask all those who support a wider political dialogue and responsible governance to condemn these attacks and urge the leaders of the protest actions to stop these attacks immediately.   The United States calls on both the Government and the leaders of the non-parliamentary opposition to reengage in constructive talks and dialogue without delay,” the statement reads.