The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced on Wednesday that the American government will suspend financial aid worth more than $95 million to the Government of Georgia. Blinken stated that the suspension is due to “anti-democratic actions and false statements by the Georgian Government” which “are not in line with the conditions for membership in the EU and NATO.”
While aid to the Government will be suspended, the United States will continue to support programs and activities in Georgia that strengthen democracy, the rule of law, independent media, and economic development. This decision reflects the American government’s commitment to upholding democratic values and principles in its foreign relations, and holding governments accountable for their actions.
The move comes amidst ongoing protests in Georgia, with demonstrators expressing their discontent with the government’s policies and actions. The suspension of financial aid serves as a strong message to the Georgian Government that the United States will not tolerate actions that undermine democracy and the rule of law. It also underscores the importance of upholding democratic standards in order to maintain strong partnerships with countries like Georgia.
The European Union provided assistance to the Ministry of Defense of Georgia on July 9th.
The Georgian Parliament passed a law on “foreign agents” in June, which Washington considers undemocratic. The law requires organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign countries to register as foreign influence agents. It was criticized by local parties and the West, who say it is inspired by a similar Russian law to target opponents. In May, the United States imposed visa restrictions and said that bilateral cooperation with Georgia would be reviewed.
The European Union’s support for the Ministry of Defense of Georgia on July 9th was a significant development. This came after the Georgian Parliament’s passing of a controversial law on “foreign agents” in June, which drew criticism from the United States for being undemocratic. The law requires organizations receiving over 20 percent of their funding from foreign countries to register as foreign influence agents, a move that has been condemned by local parties and the West. Additionally, in May, the United States imposed visa restrictions and announced a review of bilateral cooperation with Georgia, signaling a strained relationship between the two countries.
