Georgia has received a cautionary message from the United States, advising against aligning with Moscow at the expense of its relationship with the West.
This warning came as Georgia’s parliament, amidst widespread street protests, passed a “Kremlin-inspired” law.
Jim O’Brien, the assistant secretary of state from Washington, expressed concerns regarding Georgia’s trajectory, fearing that the recent passage of the “foreign agents” bill might mark another critical juncture in the country’s tumultuous history.
In a press conference held in Tbilisi, O’Brien hinted at the possibility of reconsidering financial support.
He emphasized the significant investment made by the US in Georgia’s economic and military sectors, suggesting that such assistance could be reevaluated if Georgia is perceived as adversarial rather than a partner.
The passage of the controversial bill, despite massive protests in Tbilisi, reflects the tensions within Georgian society.
The legislation requires media or civil society organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “organizations serving the interests of a foreign power.”
Echoing sentiments from the US State Department, O’Brien labeled the bill as “Kremlin-inspired,” drawing parallels to similar legislation enacted in Russia under Vladimir Putin’s regime.
He underscored that such actions jeopardize Georgia’s strategic relationship with the West.
O’Brien criticized the recent anti-Western rhetoric emanating from Georgian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s assertions of being targeted by a US-led “global party of war.”
Such rhetoric, reminiscent of Kremlin narratives, was deemed by O’Brien as a misinterpretation of Georgia’s international standing.
Furthermore, O’Brien expressed disappointment in the refusal of a meeting with billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, a figure widely perceived to influence government policies.
He clarified that there were no current sanctions against Ivanishvili, rebuffing claims made by Kobakhidze.
Addressing concerns about police violence during protests, O’Brien urged Georgian authorities to respect peaceful demonstrations and hold accountable those responsible for excessive force.
He warned of potential restrictions from the United States if Georgia veers further away from democratic norms and human rights.
As tensions escalate, international observers, including Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda, have voiced solidarity with the Georgian people.
The European Commission reiterated that the passage of the “foreign agents” law would hinder Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.
The passage of the bill has galvanized opposition forces, with calls for regime change gaining momentum.
Despite the challenges, many Georgians remain steadfast in their desire for a European future, underscoring the need to break free from perceived oligarchic influence for this vision to be realized.
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