The US has suspended $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to concerns over Georgia's "foreign agents" law, anti-democratic actions, and false portrayals of the U.S. and the West..Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that support for programs benefiting the Georgian people will continue, focusing on democracy, rule of law, and economic development. US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan reiterated support for the Georgian people, emphasizing the 33-year partnership between the two countries, and stating that help will still be provided to students, teachers, farmers, small business owners, civic activists, civil society organizations, and the Georgian Defense Forces..In addition, the US Helsinki Commission members have called in a letter for financial sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling party "Georgian Dream," and his associates, criticizing Georgia's deviation from the European path and increasingly authoritarian governance. The letter, signed by bipartisan congressmen, urges for financial measures targeting key figures of corruption and malign influence. The Commission highlighted that these sanctions align with the recently passed MEGOBARI Act, which aims to bolster democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia while countering Russian influence.
The US has suspended $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to concerns over Georgia's "foreign agents" law, anti-democratic actions, and false portrayals of the U.S. and the West..Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that support for programs benefiting the Georgian people will continue, focusing on democracy, rule of law, and economic development. US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan reiterated support for the Georgian people, emphasizing the 33-year partnership between the two countries, and stating that help will still be provided to students, teachers, farmers, small business owners, civic activists, civil society organizations, and the Georgian Defense Forces..In addition, the US Helsinki Commission members have called in a letter for financial sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling party "Georgian Dream," and his associates, criticizing Georgia's deviation from the European path and increasingly authoritarian governance. The letter, signed by bipartisan congressmen, urges for financial measures targeting key figures of corruption and malign influence. The Commission highlighted that these sanctions align with the recently passed MEGOBARI Act, which aims to bolster democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia while countering Russian influence.
