US reviewing bilateral ties with Georgia over Tbilisi’s “anti-democratic” policies
- 14 July, 10:15
Georgia continues to draw criticism from its Western allies due to the controversial “foreign agent” bill passed by the ruling Georgia Dream party months ago.
In yet another criticism of the bill as well as amid the ruling party’s growing anti-democratic policies, Washington has resumed its threats to review bilateral ties with its South Caucasus ally. During the visit to the country on Monday, the US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, said Washington is comprehensively reviewing all bilateral ties with Georgia in light of the country’s “anti-democratic” trajectories. In an interview with the Georgian online platform Civil.ge, Under Secretary Zeya expressed grave concerns about anti-democratic actions and disinformation from some ruling party members, “jeopardizing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path and harming its partnership with the US.”
Commenting on the “foreign agent” bill that commits all NGO’s receiving over twenty percent of their funding from a foreign government to register as foreign agents, the US official stressed that the law was detrimental to civil society, media, and various organizations. She emphasized that escalating violence and intimidation against civil society and opposition leaders is alarming and that disinformation about the US serves adversarial interests.
Furthermore, the US official reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering” support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regarding support for Georgian democracy and civil society, Zeya reiterated the US's unwavering commitment to the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people. She stressed that the US actions are responses to anti-democratic measures and disinformation from the Georgian government, distancing the country from its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken first announced Washington’s intention to review ties with Georgia on May 23 and also declared visa restrictions for a number of Georgian officials undermining Georgia’s democracy.
